A Polariton-Stabilized Spin Clock

TL;DR

This paper proposes a solid-state spin clock using a hybrid system of a microwave resonator and diamond NV centers, achieving potentially unprecedented fractional frequency stability suitable for miniaturized atomic clocks.

Contribution

Introduction of a polariton-stabilized spin clock architecture that overcomes traditional limitations of solid-state atomic clocks.

Findings

Potential fractional frequency instability below 10^{-13} at 1 second

Significant improvement over current miniaturized atomic vapor clocks

Detailed modeling supports feasibility of the proposed design

Abstract

Atom-like quantum systems in solids have been proposed as a compact alternative for atomic clocks, but realizing the potential of solid-state technology will requires an architecture design which overcomes traditional limitations such as magnetic and temperature-induced systematics. Here, we propose a solution to this problem: a `solid-state spin clock' that hybridizes a microwave resonator with a magnetic-field-insensitive spin transition within the ground state of the diamond nitrogen-vacancy center. Detailed numerical and analytical modeling of this `polariton-stabilized' spin clock (PSSC) indicates a potential fractional frequency instability below $10^{-13}$ at 1 second measurement time, assuming present-day experimental parameters. This stability would represent a significant improvement over the state-of-the-art in miniaturized atomic vapor clocks.