Quantum technologies based on diamonds
Simulating models of the physical world proved to be instrumental in advancing scientific knowledge and developing technologies. However, there are still unanswered questions that simulations could resolve but remain beyond our current technological capabilities. An exciting possibility was explored within the 'Quantum dynamics and entanglement in complex many-body systems' (QUANTUM DEMS) project — specifically quantum simulators. Proof-of-concept experiments conducted also suggest that quantum simulations are a credible possibility. QUANTUM DEMS researchers developed a type of quantum hardware that is of practical interest for large-scale quantum simulations. Specifically, large-scale lattices of atoms with nuclear spins coupled with each other were constructed by chemically controlling the termination of a diamond's surface. This system can be engineered to simulate a wide variety of models of supersolids and magnetism at room temperatures. The quantum simulator is initialised and controlled with so-called nitrogen-vacancy centres, which are also used to read the results of the simulations. The nitrogen-vacancy centres were created by removing nitrogen atoms a few nanometres beneath the diamond's surface. With extensive Monte Carlo simulations, the QUANTUM DEMS researchers have shown that the new quantum simulator can be used to elucidate many-body systems. Furthermore, the nitrogen-vacancy centres in the polycrystalline diamond formed the basis for the construction of a highly sensitive quantum sensor. Thanks to the superior coherence of nuclear spins, the quantum sensor can offer magnetic, electric field and temperature measurements with nanometre spatial resolution. A proof-of-principle experiment has demonstrated that it can be used to probe single electrons and nuclei. QUANTUM DEMS envisage the eventual use of quantum simulators for the study of quasi 3D quantum systems and various complex biological and chemical processes. Together with the quantum sensor, project activities enable the transformation of knowledge into leading-edge technologies.
Keywords
Quantum simulator, diamond, models, quantum dynamics, many-body systems, supersolids, nitrogen, Monte Carlo simulations, magnetic, electric, temperature, nanometre