Microwave Spin Control of a Tin-Vacancy Qubit in Diamond

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates high-fidelity microwave control of tin-vacancy centers in diamond, achieving record coherence times and control fidelity, advancing their potential for quantum networking applications.

Contribution

It introduces a method to overcome spin-orbit coupling limitations in SnV- centers, enabling high-fidelity microwave spin control with record coherence times.

Findings

Pi-pulse fidelity of 99.51% achieved

Hahn-echo coherence time of 170 microseconds

Control demonstrated at 1.7 Kelvin

Abstract

The negatively charged tin-vacancy (SnV-) center in diamond is a promising solid-state qubit for applications in quantum networking due to its high quantum efficiency, strong zero phonon emission, and reduced sensitivity to electrical noise. The SnV- has a large spin-orbit coupling, which allows for long spin lifetimes at elevated temperatures, but unfortunately suppresses the magnetic dipole transitions desired for quantum control. Here, by use of a naturally strained center, we overcome this limitation and achieve high-fidelity microwave spin control. We demonstrate a pi-pulse fidelity of up to 99.51+/0.03%$ and a Hahn-echo coherence time of T2echo = 170.0+/-2.8 microseconds, both the highest yet reported for SnV- platform. This performance comes without compromise to optical stability, and is demonstrated at 1.7 Kelvin where ample cooling power is available to mitigate drive induced heating. These results pave the way for SnV- spins to be used as a building block for future quantum technologies.