Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Observation of the Quantum Zeno Effect on the Nitrogen Vacancy Center in Nanodiamond

Janik Wolters, Max Strauß, Rolf Simon Schoenfeld, Oliver J. Benson

Published Jan 1, 2013• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The inhibition of coherent quantum dynamics via projective measurements, i.e. the quantum Zeno effect is one of the most intriguing predictions of quantum mechanics. We experimentally demonstrate the quantum Zeno effect on a single solid state spin, namely the negatively charged nitrogen vacancy center in nanodiamond. These experiments are supported by an ample analysis of the population dynamics via a semi-classical model.

DOI
10.1364/cleo_qels.2013.qm2b.5

Related papers

Quantum Zeno phenomenon on a single solid-state spin

Janik Wolters, Max Strauß, Rolf Simon Schoenfeld +1 more

The quantum Zeno effect, i.e., the inhibition of coherent quantum dynamics by measurement operations, is one of the most intriguing predictions of quantum mechanics. Here we experimentally demonstrate the quantum Zeno effect by inhibiting the microwave-driven coherent spin dynamics between two ground-state spin levels of a single nitrogen vacancy center in diamond. Our experiments are supported by a detailed analysis of the population dynamics via a semiclassical model.

arXiv:1301.4544•Physical Review A•Aug 20, 2013•45 citations

Demonstration of the quantum Zeno effect on the nitrogen vacancy center in nanodiamond

Janik Wolters, Max Strauß, Rolf Simon Schoenfeld +1 more

Already in 430 BC ancient Greek's philosopher Zeno of Elea formulated his well known paradox: An object that can be observed at any instant of time at a well defined position can not move. Today, this paradox is solved by the infinitesimal calculus invented by Newton and Leibniz in the 18 century. Nevertheless in 1977 it was shown that Zeno's paradox rises again from the formalism of quantum mechanics [1]. We present our latest measurement results on the quantum Zeno effect in a solid state spin, namely the ground state spin of a single negatively charged nitrogen vacancy (NV) center in diamond [2]. These results are supported by an extended theoretical analysis and give evidence that the quantum Zeno effect is physical reality not only in atomic systems [3], but also in nanoscopic solid state systems [4].

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics Europe & European Quantum Electronics Conference (CLEO/Europe-EQEC)•May 1, 2013•0 citations

Nitrogen Vacancy Centers in Diamond for Quantum Information Processing on Hybrid Platforms

Janik Wolters, Julia Kabuß, Max Strauß +2 more

The nitrogen vacancy (NV) defect center in diamond is one of the most promising candidates for future solid state quantum technologies. Starting with recent experiments on the demonstration of fundamental quantum effects, like the quantum Zeno effect on a single NV center, theoretical studies on the implementation of a fundamental cavity assisted two-qubit quantum gate are presented. These studies outline a route towards deterministic quantum information processing on a realistic solid state platform, considering in particular radiative dephasing and spectral diffusion.

Research in Optical Sciences•Jan 1, 2014•0 citations

Spin-dependent charge state interconversion of nitrogen vacancy centers in nanodiamonds

Reece P. Roberts, Mathieu L. Juan, Gabriel Molina‐Terriza

The nitrogen vacancy (NV) center in diamond is the most widely studied color center in diamond for its wide range of applications in both physics and biology. The negatively charged state ${\mathrm{NV}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ is often favored for its better spin-optical properties, whereas the presence of the neutral charge state ${\mathrm{NV}}^{0}$ is often minimized or neglected by using a single optimized excitation wavelength. In many cases, the use of additional laser wavelengths has an important impact on the NV optical properties and can lead to a dramatically quenched fluorescence. Through measurements of the photophysics of the NV center we show in this work that this quenching mechanism is mediated by charge state interconversion providing additional channels for nonradiative decay. Our results show that this mechanism is also sensitive to the spin state of the ${\mathrm{NV}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. A better understanding of this physical mechanism will help mitigate the spin and charge state depolarization effects that are detrimental for quantum technology applications.

Physical review. B./Physical review. B•May 17, 2019•23 citations

Dark States of Single Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers in Diamond Unraveled by Single Shot NMR

G. Waldherr, Johannes Beck, Matthias Steiner +5 more

The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond is supposed to be a building block for quantum computing and nanometer-scale metrology at ambient conditions. Therefore, precise knowledge of its quantum states is crucial. Here, we experimentally show that under usual operating conditions the NV exists in an equilibrium of two charge states [70% in the expected negative (${\mathrm{NV}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) and 30% in the neutral one (${\mathrm{NV}}^{0}$)]. Projective quantum nondemolition measurement of the nitrogen nuclear spin enables the detection even of the additional, optically inactive state. The nuclear spin can be coherently driven also in ${\mathrm{NV}}^{0}$ (${T}_{1}\ensuremath{\approx}90\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{ms}$ and ${T}_{2}\ensuremath{\approx}6\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}$).

arXiv:1012.5017•Physical Review Letters•Apr 14, 2011•182 citations

Quantum Zeno and Zeno-like effects in nitrogen vacancy centers

Jing Qiu, Yangyang Wang, Zhang‐qi Yin +3 more

We present a proposal to realize the quantum Zeno effect (QZE) and quantum Zeno-like effect (QZLE) in a proximal (13)C nuclear spin by controlling a proximal electron spin of a nitrogen vacancy (NV) center. The measurement is performed by applying a microwave pulse to induce the transition between different electronic spin states. Under the practical experimental conditions, our calculations show that there exist both QZE and QZLE in a (13)C nuclear spin in the vicinity of an NV center.

arXiv:1508.04560•Scientific Reports•Dec 1, 2015•16 citations
The inhibition of coherent quantum dynamics via projective measurements, i.e. the quantum Zeno effect is one of the most intriguing predictions of quantum mechanics. We experimentally demonstrate the quantum Zeno effect on a single solid state spin, namely the negatively charged nitrogen vacancy center in nanodiamond. These experiments are supported by an ample analysis of the population dynamics via a semi-classical model.
Already in 430 BC ancient Greek's philosopher Zeno of Elea formulated his well known paradox: An object that can be observed at any instant of time at a well defined position can not move. Today, this paradox is solved by the infinitesimal calculus invented by Newton and Leibniz in the 18 century. Nevertheless in 1977 it was shown that Zeno's paradox rises again from the formalism of quantum mechanics [1]. We present our latest measurement results on the quantum Zeno effect in a solid state spin, namely the ground state spin of a single negatively charged nitrogen vacancy (NV) center in diamond [2]. These results are supported by an extended theoretical analysis and give evidence that the quantum Zeno effect is physical reality not only in atomic systems [3], but also in nanoscopic solid state systems [4].
The nitrogen vacancy (NV) defect center in diamond is one of the most promising candidates for future solid state quantum technologies. Starting with recent experiments on the demonstration of fundamental quantum effects, like the quantum Zeno effect on a single NV center, theoretical studies on the implementation of a fundamental cavity assisted two-qubit quantum gate are presented. These studies outline a route towards deterministic quantum information processing on a realistic solid state platform, considering in particular radiative dephasing and spectral diffusion.
The nitrogen vacancy (NV) center in diamond is the most widely studied color center in diamond for its wide range of applications in both physics and biology. The negatively charged state ${\mathrm{NV}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ is often favored for its better spin-optical properties, whereas the presence of the neutral charge state NV0{\mathrm{NV}}^{0}NV0 is often minimized or neglected by using a single optimized excitation wavelength. In many cases, the use of additional laser wavelengths has an important impact on the NV optical properties and can lead to a dramatically quenched fluorescence. Through measurements of the photophysics of the NV center we show in this work that this quenching mechanism is mediated by charge state interconversion providing additional channels for nonradiative decay. Our results show that this mechanism is also sensitive to the spin state of the ${\mathrm{NV}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. A better understanding of this physical mechanism will help mitigate the spin and charge state depolarization effects that are detrimental for quantum technology applications.
The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond is supposed to be a building block for quantum computing and nanometer-scale metrology at ambient conditions. Therefore, precise knowledge of its quantum states is crucial. Here, we experimentally show that under usual operating conditions the NV exists in an equilibrium of two charge states [70% in the expected negative (${\mathrm{NV}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) and 30% in the neutral one (NV0{\mathrm{NV}}^{0}NV0)]. Projective quantum nondemolition measurement of the nitrogen nuclear spin enables the detection even of the additional, optically inactive state. The nuclear spin can be coherently driven also in NV0{\mathrm{NV}}^{0}NV0 (${T}_{1}\ensuremath{\approx}90\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{ms}$ and ${T}_{2}\ensuremath{\approx}6\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}$).