Room-Temperature Quantum Simulation with Atomically Thin Nuclear Spin Layers in Diamond

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a room-temperature quantum simulator using a thin layer of nuclear spins in diamond, enabling the study of complex many-body phenomena with a scalable and accessible platform.

Contribution

It introduces a novel room-temperature quantum simulation platform based on nuclear spins in diamond, combining ease of use with strong, tunable interactions.

Findings

Achieved strong, tunable interactions among nuclear spins

Demonstrated investigation of discrete time-crystalline order

Operates effectively at ambient temperature

Abstract

Quantum simulation aims to recreate complex many-body phenomena in controlled environments, offering insights into dynamics that are otherwise difficult to model. Existing platforms, however, are often complex and costly to scale, typically requiring ultra-pure vacuum or low temperatures. Here, we realize a room-temperature quantum simulator using a thin ${}^{13}\text{C}$ nuclear spin layer in diamond. Nearby nitrogen-vacancy centers enable polarization, readout, and, combined with radio-frequency fields, coherent control of the nuclear spins. We demonstrate strong, tunable interactions among the nuclear spins and use the system to investigate discrete time-crystalline order. By combining ease of use with operation at ambient temperatures, our work opens new opportunities for investigating strongly correlated many-body effects.