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arXiv · 1109.3241

Time-keeping with electron spin states in diamond

Jonathan S. Hodges·Dirk Englund
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Abstract

Frequency standards based on atomic states, such as Rb or Cs vapors, or single trapped ions, are the most precise measures of time. Here we introduce a complementary device based on spins in a solid-state system - the nitrogen-vacancy defect in single crystal diamond. We show that this system has comparable stability to portable atomic standards and is readily incorporable as a chip-scale device. Using a pulsed spin-echo technique, we anticipate an Allan deviation of σ_y =1E-12 (τ)^(-1/2) with current photoluminescence detection methods and posit exceeding 1E-14 with improved diamond material processing and nanophotonic engineering.

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Jonathan S. Hodges, Dirk Englund. 2011-09-15. Time-keeping with electron spin states in diamond. https://arxiv.org/abs/1109.3241

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