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On-Surface Atomic Spins with Outstanding Quantum Coherence

Project description

Enhancing spin coherence for quantum applications

The quantum nature of physical systems depends on understanding their atomic environment to minimise noise. Spins on surfaces, studied using scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and electron spin resonance (ESR), provide valuable insights into individual atoms. However, their coherent properties, especially phase coherence time, are weaker than those of nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond or superconducting qubits. The ERC-funded ATOMQUANT project aims to enhance the coherence of spins on surfaces for quantum information processing and magnetic sensing. The project will implement single-spin resonance within a milliKelvin atomic force microscopy (AFM) setup and address challenges posed by remote substrate nuclear spins. By leveraging 25Mg nuclear spins from magnesium oxide substrates, it seeks to improve spin detection and resolve integration challenges.

Objective

The quantum nature of a physical system often emerges from its fundamental building blocks and demands a profound understanding to harvest its advantages for quantum devices. Their design requires knowledge about the atomic-scale environment of a quantum object to protect it from noise and energy exchange. For that purpose, spins on surfaces studied and controlled by a combination of scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and electron spin resonance (ESR) has emerged as an atomic workbench that permits to resolve quantum systems such as single atoms and molecules. However, up to now the coherent properties, in particular the phase coherence time, remain much worse than in other quantum architectures such as nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond or superconducting qubits.
In ATOMQUANT, I aim to improve the coherent properties of spins on surfaces by several orders of magnitude. The main goal is to create a new atomic-force microscopy (AFM)-based architecture for quantum information processing and magnetic sensing operating on the atomic scale. I aim to achieve this goal i) by improvements in instrumentation: Here, I will set up single spin resonance in a milliKelvin-AFM setup, based on the technique of magnetic exchange force microscopy. ii) by addressing remote substrate nuclear spins and by utilizing them as a highly coherent quantum resource. This will here be realized by 25Mg nuclear spins that are found in the commonly used magnesium oxide substrate iii) by overcoming major challenges for the detection of spins on surfaces such as requirements for low temperatures and hurdles for device integration.
The results of ATOMQUANT will have the potential to bring quantum research to the atomic limit, allowing for exploration of potential qubit systems with outstanding quantum properties in-situ and atom-by-atom. My previous extensive experience in the field of ESR-STM provides the best possible conditions to conduct this innovative high potential research endeavour.

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(opens in new window) ERC-2023-STG

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Host institution

KARLSRUHER INSTITUT FUER TECHNOLOGIE
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 2 260 965,00
Address
KAISERSTRASSE 12
76131 Karlsruhe
Germany

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Region
Baden-Württemberg Karlsruhe Karlsruhe, Stadtkreis
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 2 260 965,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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