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Quantum Computing, Communication, and Simulation

Nano-integrated color centers in SiC with robust spin-photon interfaces and access to nuclear spin qubits

Florian Kaiser

Published Mar 9, 2022• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We highlight our work [1] on nanophotonic integration of color centers in semiconductor silicon carbide (SiC). We show ion-assisted implantation and waveguide-integration of silicon vacancy centers (VSi) in 4H-SiC with nearly lifetime limited optical lines and record spin coherence times. We further show controlled coupling to nearby nuclear spin qubits. Our experiments can be performed at high temperatures (T=20 K), thus enabling fast and direct nuclear spin control. Our work shows that VSi centers in SiC are attractive for developing next-generation quantum (computational) networks based on optically interconnected spin-based qubit clusters. [1] Babin et al, Nature Materials, to appear (2021)

DOI
10.1117/12.2613744

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We highlight our work [1] on nanophotonic integration of color centers in semiconductor silicon carbide (SiC). We show ion-assisted implantation and waveguide-integration of silicon vacancy centers (VSi) in 4H-SiC with nearly lifetime limited optical lines and record spin coherence times. We further show controlled coupling to nearby nuclear spin qubits. Our experiments can be performed at high temperatures (T=20 K), thus enabling fast and direct nuclear spin control. Our work shows that VSi centers in SiC are attractive for developing next-generation quantum (computational) networks based on optically interconnected spin-based qubit clusters. [1] Babin et al, Nature Materials, to appear (2021)
Abstract The negatively charged silicon vacancy center ( VSi−{{\rm{V}}}_{{\rm{Si}}}^{-}VSi−​ V Si − ) in silicon carbide (SiC) is an emerging color center for quantum technology covering quantum sensing, communication, and computing. Yet, limited information currently available on the internal spin-optical dynamics of these color centers prevents us from achieving the optimal operation conditions and reaching the maximum performance especially when integrated within quantum photonics. Here, we establish all the relevant intrinsic spin dynamics of the VSi−{{\rm{V}}}_{{\rm{Si}}}^{-}VSi−​ V Si − center at cubic lattice site (V2) in 4H-SiC by an in-depth electronic fine structure modeling including the intersystem-crossing and deshelving mechanisms. With carefully designed spin-dependent measurements, we obtain all the previously unknown spin-selective radiative and non-radiative decay rates. To showcase the relevance of our work for integrated quantum photonics, we use the obtained rates to propose a realistic implementation of time-bin entangled multi-photon GHZ and cluster state generation. We find that up to three-photon GHZ or cluster states are readily within reach using the existing nanophotonic cavity technology.
The negatively-charged silicon vacancy center (VSi−\rm V_{Si}^-VSi−​) in silicon carbide (SiC) is an emerging color center for quantum technology covering quantum sensing, communication, and computing. Yet, limited information currently available on the internal spin-optical dynamics of these color centers prevents us achieving the optimal operation conditions and reaching the maximum performance especially when integrated within quantum photonics. Here, we establish all the relevant intrinsic spin dynamics of negatively charged VSi−\rm V_{Si}^-VSi−​ center in 4H-SiC by an in-depth electronic fine structure modeling including intersystem-crossing and deshelving mechanisms. With carefully designed spin-dependent measurements, we obtain all previously unknown spin-selective radiative and non-radiative decay rates. To showcase the relevance of our work for integrated quantum photonics, we use the obtained rates to propose a realistic implementation of time-bin entangled multi-photon GHZ and cluster state generation. We find that up to 3-photon GHZ/cluster states are readily within reach using the existing nanophotonic cavity technology.
Abstract Silicon carbide (SiC) is an excellent industrially compatible material, which has been widely used in high power electronic devices. Recently, spin defects in SiC have been found to be a high-quality spin-to-photon interface with long spin coherence time and high spin-selective optical transition. Spin states can be initialized and readout with extremely high fidelity. The infrared and even telecom fluorescence is suited for fiber communication with less scatting loss. The bandwidth of intrinsic zero-phonon-line emission can be manipulated by classical electrical devices. The achieved near lifetime-limited optical linewidths greatly increase the indistinguishability of photon emission and facilitate the connection with other narrowband absorption quantum systems, such as cold atoms, trapped ions, and rare-earth dopants in crystals. Moreover, spin defects coupled with photonic nanocavities have been demonstrated, which can greatly enhance the photon emission in the zero-phonon-line. The realization of controllable electron-nuclear spin entanglement further extends the memory-based quantum applications. In this perspective, we will briefly discuss the most recent development of spin defects in SiC. These results show that spin defects in SiC are desirable quantum platforms for quantum networking applications. We also discuss some of the current challenges and possible future development.
The ultimate motivation of my project is to address the possibility of building a quantum analogue of Internet of Things in order to improve the standards of quantum information processing. A distributed quantum computing network which is capable of achieving this goal, would require large sets of memory nodes capable of performing arbitrary quantum information protocols with high fidelity [1], [2]. So far, the challenge in this field has been in realizing such quantum memory nodes with features for scalable quantum computing. Solid state spins in 4H-Silicon Carbide (4H-SiC) owing to its material properties provides a suitable platform in achieving this goal wherein a controlled generation of highly coherent qubit registers using nuclear spins(13C or 29Si)(^{13}\mathrm{C} \ \text{or} \ {}^{\text{29}} \text{Si})(13C or 29Si)and silicon vacancy color centers(VSi− center)(V_{Si}^{-} \ \text{center})(VSi−​ center)| are possible[3], [4]. The magnetic dipole-dipole coupling between the isotope nuclear spins and the silicon vacancy color center can be tapped using microwave pulse (MW) sequence (as shown in Fig. 1(a)) for controlled driving of nuclear spin.
Quantum networks based on solid-state spin defects present a transformative approach to secure communication and distributed quantum computing, utilizing quantum entanglement and coherent spin–photon interfaces. Silicon carbide (SiC) stands out as a compelling material platform due to its unique combination of a wide bandgap, high optical nonlinearity, CMOS-compatible fabrication, and controllable spin-active defects. These intrinsic properties facilitate efficient photon emission, robust spin coherence at both room and cryogenic temperatures, and integration with photonic nanostructures. Recent advancements in defect engineering and micro-nanophotonics have unlocked the potential of SiC quantum nodes, which feature electron-nuclear spin systems for high-fidelity quantum operations and long-lived quantum memories. Key steps such as single-shot readout and spin-photon entanglement have been successfully demonstrated, bringing SiC closer to a real quantum network platform. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the advancements in SiC-based quantum networks, encompassing key aspects such as defect fabrication methodologies, optimization of spin-photon interfaces, and strategies for photonic integration. Additionally, it examines the existing challenges and outlines promising future directions in this rapidly evolving field.