Researchers from the University of Stuttgart, led by Jörg Wrachtrup, have made a significant advancement in quantum technology that could simplify and enhance quantum devices used in various fields, including energy-related applications. The team, including Raphael Wörnle, Jonathan Körber, Timo Steidl, Georgy V. Astakhov, Durga B. R. Dasari, Florian Kaiser, and Vadim Vorobyov, has demonstrated a method for controlling nuclear spins without the need for radiofrequency (RF) fields. This breakthrough was published in the journal Nature Communications.
In the energy sector, quantum technologies are increasingly being explored for applications such as advanced materials discovery, improved energy storage, and enhanced sensing capabilities for geophysical exploration. The researchers focused on a modified divacancy center in silicon carbide, a material already used in high-power electronics and quantum sensing. By using microwave (MW) pulses to drive the electron spin, they were able to manipulate the nuclear spin through hyperfine-enhanced effects, activated by a precisely tilted external magnetic field. This approach eliminates the need for additional high-power RF fields, which can complicate experiments and increase power consumption.
The team achieved high-fidelity nuclear-spin control, with 89% two-qubit tomography fidelity and nearly T1-limited nuclear coherence times. This method offers a simplified and scalable route for future quantum applications, potentially reducing the complexity and power requirements of quantum devices. For the energy industry, this could translate to more efficient and cost-effective quantum sensors for monitoring and optimizing energy systems, as well as advancements in quantum computing for solving complex energy-related problems.
The research highlights the potential for silicon carbide-based quantum technologies to play a crucial role in the development of next-generation energy solutions. By simplifying the control of nuclear spins, this breakthrough could accelerate the deployment of quantum devices in practical energy applications, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient energy future.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.