arXiv subjects

B. W. Lovett

Publications and source records attributed to B. W. Lovett.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2022

Superabsorption in an organic microcavity: towards a quantum battery

The rate at which matter emits or absorbs light can be modified by its environment, as dramatically exemplified by the widely-studied phenomenon of superradiance. The reverse process, superabsorption, is harder to demonstrate due to the challenges of probing ultrafast processes, and has only been seen for small numbers of atoms. Its central idea - superextensive scaling of absorption meaning larger systems absorb faster - is also the key idea underpinning quantum batteries. Here we implement experimentally a paradigmatic model of a quantum battery, constructed of a microcavity enclosing a molecular dye. Ultrafast optical spectroscopy allows us to observe charging dynamics at femtosecond resolution to demonstrate superextensive charging rates and storage capacity, in agreement with our theoretical modelling. We find that decoherence plays an important role in stabilising energy storage. Our work opens new opportunities for harnessing collective effects in light-matter coupling for nanoscale energy capture, storage, and transport technologies.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Optimal power generation using dark states in dimers strongly coupled to their environment

Dark state protection has been proposed as a mechanism to increase the power output of light harvesting devices by reducing the rate of radiative recombination. Indeed many theoretical studies have reported increased power outputs in dimer systems which use quantum interference to generate dark states. These models have typically been restricted to particular geometries and to weakly coupled vibrational baths. Here we consider the experimentally-relevant strong vibrational coupling regime with no geometric restrictions on the dimer. We analyze how dark states can be formed in the dimer by numerically minimizing the emission rate of the lowest energy excited eigenstate, and then calculate the power output of the molecules with these dark states. We find that there are two distinct types of dark states depending on whether the monomers form homodimers, where energy splittings and dipole strengths are identical, or heterodimers, where there is some difference. Homodimers, which exploit destructive quantum interference, produce high power outputs but strong phonon couplings and perturbations from ideal geometries are extremely detrimental. Heterodimers, which are closer to the classical picture of a distinct donor and acceptor molecule, produce an intermediate power output that is relatively stable to these changes. The strong vibrational couplings typically found in organic molecules will suppress destructive interference and thus favour the dark-state enhancement offered by heterodimers.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

Quantum-enhanced capture of photons using optical ratchet states

Natural and artificial light harvesting systems often operate in a regime where the flux of photons is relatively low. Besides absorbing as many photons as possible it is therefore paramount to prevent excitons from annihilation via photon re-emission until they have undergone an irreversible energy conversion process. Taking inspiration from photosynthetic antenna structures, we here consider ring-like systems and introduce a class of states we call ratchets: excited states capable of absorbing but not emitting light. This allows our antennae to absorb further photons whilst retaining the excitations from those that have already been captured. Simulations for a ring of four sites reveal a peak power enhancement by up to a factor of 35 under ambient conditions owing to a combination of ratcheting and the prevention of emission through dark-state population. In the slow extraction limit the achievable power enhancement due to ratcheting alone exceeds 20%.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

Sub-Doppler laser cooling of 40K with Raman gray molasses on the D2 line

Gray molasses is a powerful tool for sub-Doppler laser cooling of atoms to low temperatures. For alkaline atoms, this technique is commonly implemented with cooling lasers which are blue-detuned from either the D1 or D2 line. Here we show that efficient gray molasses can be implemented on the D2 line of 40K with red-detuned lasers. We obtained temperatures of 48(2) microKelvin, which enables direct loading of 9.2(3)*10^6 atoms from a magneto-optical trap into an optical dipole trap. We support our findings by a one-dimensional model and three-dimensional numerical simulations of the optical Bloch equations which qualitatively reproduce the experimentally observed cooling effects.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2016

Bath induced coherence and the secular approximation

Finding efficient descriptions of how an environment affects a collection of discrete quantum systems would lead to new insights into many areas of modern physics. Markovian, or time-local, methods work well for individual systems, but for groups a question arises: does system-bath or inter-system coupling dominate the dissipative dynamics? The answer has profound consequences for the long-time quantum correlations within the system. We consider two bosonic modes coupled to a bath. By comparing an exact solution to different Markovian master equations, we find that a smooth crossover of the equations-of-motion between dominant inter-system and system-bath coupling exists -- but requires a non-secular master equation. We predict a singular behaviour of the dynamics, and show that the ultimate failure of non-secular equations of motion is essentially a failure of the Markov approximation. Our findings justify the use of time-local theories throughout the crossover between system-bath dominated and inter-system-coupling dominated dynamics.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

Designing spin channel geometries for entanglement distribution

We investigate different geometries of spin-1/2 nitrogen impurity channels for distributing entanglement between pairs of remote nitrogen vacancy centers (NVs) in diamond. To go beyond the system size limits imposed by directly solving the master equation, we implement a matrix product operator method to describe the open system dynamics. In so doing, we provide an early demonstration of how this technique can be used for simulating real systems. For a fixed NV separation there is an interplay between incoherent impurity spin decay and coherent entanglement transfer: Long transfer time, few-spin systems experience strong dephasing that can be overcome by increasing the number of spins in the channel. We examine how missing spins and disorder in the coupling strengths affect the dynamics, finding that in some regimes a spin ladder is a more effective conduit for information than a single spin chain.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

Surface code architecture for donors and dots in silicon with imprecise and nonuniform qubit couplings

A scaled quantum computer with donor spins in silicon would benefit from a viable semiconductor framework and a strong inherent decoupling of the qubits from the noisy environment. Coupling neighbouring spins via the natural exchange interaction according to current designs requires gate control structures with extremely small length scales. We present a silicon architecture where bismuth donors with long coherence times are coupled to electrons that can shuttle between adjacent quantum dots, thus relaxing the pitch requirements and allowing space between donors for classical control devices. An adiabatic SWAP operation within each donor/dot pair solves the scalability issues intrinsic to exchange-based two-qubit gates, as it does not rely on sub-nanometer precision in donor placement and is robust against noise in the control fields. We use this SWAP together with well established global microwave Rabi pulses and parallel electron shuttling to construct a surface code that needs minimal, feasible local control.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

Coherent exciton dynamics in a dissipative environment maintained by an off-resonant vibrational mode

The interplay between an open quantum system and its environment can lead to both coherent and incoherent behaviour. We explore the extent to which strong coupling to a single bosonic mode can alter the coherence properties of a two-level system in a structured environment. This mode is treated exactly, with the rest of the environment comprising a Markovian bath of bosonic modes. The strength of the coupling between the two-level system and the single mode is varied for a variety of different forms for the bath spectral density in order to assess whether the coherent dynamics of the two-level system are modified. We find a clear renormalisation of the site population oscillation frequency that causes an altered interaction with the bath. This leads to enhanced or reduced coherent behaviour of the two-level system depending on the form of the spectral density function. We present an intuitive interpretation, based on an analytical model, to explain the behaviour.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

Probing charge fluctuator correlations using quantum dot pairs

We study a pair of quantum dot exciton qubits interacting with a number of fluctuating charges that can induce a Stark shift of both exciton transition energies. We do this by solving the optical master equation using a numerical transfer matrix method. We find that the collective influence of the charge environment on the dots can be detected by measuring the correlation between the photons emitted when each dot is driven independently. Qubits in a common charge environment display photon bunching, if both dots are driven on resonance or if the driving laser detunings have the same sense for both qubits, and antibunching if the laser detunings have in opposite signs. We also show that it is possible to detect several charges fluctuating at different rates using this technique. Our findings expand the possibility of measuring qubit dynamics in order to investigate the fundamental physics of the environmental noise that causes decoherence.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2014

Hyperfine Stark effect of shallow donors in silicon

We present a complete theoretical treatment of Stark effects in doped silicon, whose predictions are supported by experimental measurements. A multi-valley effective mass theory, dealing non-perturbatively with valley-orbit interactions induced by a donor-dependent central cell potential, allows us to obtain a very reliable picture of the donor wave function within a relatively simple framework. Variational optimization of the 1s donor binding energies calculated with a new trial wave function, in a pseudopotential with two fitting parameters, allows an accurate match of the experimentally determined donor energy levels, while the correct limiting behavior for the electronic density, both close to and far from each impurity nucleus, is captured by fitting the measured contact hyperfine coupling between the donor nuclear and electron spin. We go on to include an external uniform electric field in order to model Stark physics: With no extra ad hoc parameters, variational minimization of the complete donor ground energy allows a quantitative description of the field-induced reduction of electronic density at each impurity nucleus. Detailed comparisons with experimental values for the shifts of the contact hyperfine coupling reveal very close agreement for all the donors measured (P, As, Sb and Bi). Finally, we estimate field ionization thresholds for the donor ground states, thus setting upper limits to the gate manipulation times for single qubit operations in Kane-like architectures: the Si:Bi system is shown to allow for A gates as fast as around 10 MHz.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2014

Exchange coupling between silicon donors: the crucial role of the central cell and mass anisotropy

Donors in silicon are now demonstrated as one of the leading candidates for implementing qubits and quantum information processing. Single qubit operations, measurements and long coherence times are firmly established, but progress on controlling two qubit interactions has been slower. One reason for this is that the inter donor exchange coupling has been predicted to oscillate with separation, making it hard to estimate in device designs. We present a multivalley effective mass theory of a donor pair in silicon, including both a central cell potential and the effective mass anisotropy intrinsic in the Si conduction band. We are able to accurately describe the single donor properties of valley-orbit coupling and the spatial extent of donor wave functions, highlighting the importance of fitting measured values of hyperfine coupling and the orbital energy of the $1s$ levels. Ours is a simple framework that can be applied flexibly to a range of experimental scenarios, but it is nonetheless able to provide fast and reliable predictions. We use it to estimate the exchange coupling between two donor electrons and we find a smoothing of its expected oscillations, and predict a monotonic dependence on separation if two donors are spaced precisely along the [100] direction.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2014

Splitting a single Cooper-pair with microwave light

We measure an aluminum superconducting double quantum dot and find that its electrical impedance, specifically its quantum capacitance, depends on whether or not it contains a single broken Cooper pair. In this way we are able to observe, in real time, the thermally activated breaking and recombination of Cooper pairs. Furthermore, we apply external microwave light and break single Cooper pairs by the absorption of single microwave photons.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2014

The energy landscape of a superconducting double dot

We consider the energetics of a superconducting double dot, comprising two superconducting islands coupled in series via a Josephson junction. The periodicity of the stability diagram is governed by the competition between the charging energy and the superconducting gap, and the stability of each charge state depends upon its parity. We also find that, at finite temperatures, thermodynamic considerations have a significant effect on the stability diagram.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2014

Superabsorption of light via quantum engineering

Almost 60 years ago Dicke introduced the term superradiance to describe a signature quantum effect: N atoms can collectively emit light at a rate proportional to N^2. Even for moderate N this represents a significant increase over the prediction of classical physics, and the effect has found applications ranging from probing exciton delocalisation in biological systems, to developing a new class of laser, and even in astrophysics. Structures that super-radiate must also have enhanced absorption, but the former always dominates in natural systems. Here we show that modern quantum control techniques can overcome this restriction. Our theory establishes that superabsorption can be achieved and sustained in certain simple nanostructures, by trapping the system in a highly excited state while extracting energy into a non-radiative channel. The effect offers the prospect of a new class of quantum nanotechnology, capable of absorbing light many times faster than is currently possible; potential applications of this effect include light harvesting and photon detection. An array of quantum dots or a porphyrin ring could provide an implementation to demonstrate this effect.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2013

Vibration-assisted resonance in photosynthetic excitation energy transfer

Understanding how the effectiveness of natural photosynthetic energy harvesting systems arises from the interplay between quantum coherence and environmental noise represents a significant challenge for quantum theory. Recently it has begun to be appreciated that discrete molecular vibrational modes may play an important role in the dynamics of such systems. As an alternative to computationally demanding numerical approaches, we present a microscopic mechanism by which intramolecular vibrations contribute to the efficiency and directionality of energy transfer. Excited vibrational states create resonant pathways through the system, supporting fast and efficient energy transport. Vibrational damping together with the natural downhill arrangement of molecular energy levels gives intrinsic directionality to the energy flow. Analytical and numerical results demonstrate a significant enhancement of the efficiency and directionality of energy transport that can be directly related to the existence of resonances between vibrational and excitonic levels.

physics.bio-ph↗

arXiv2011

Effect of detuning on the phonon induced dephasing of optically driven InGaAs/GaAs quantum dots

Recently, longitudinal acoustic phonons have been identified as the main source of the intensity damping observed in Rabi rotation measurements of the ground-state exciton of a single InAs/GaAs quantum dot. Here we report experiments of intensity damped Rabi rotations in the case of detuned laser pulses, the results have implications for the coherent optical control of both excitons and spins using detuned laser pulses.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2010

Phonon induced Rabi frequency renormalization of optically driven single InGaAs/GaAs quantum dots

We study optically driven Rabi rotations of a quantum dot exciton transition between 5 and 50 K, and for pulse-areas of up to $14π$. In a high driving field regime, the decay of the Rabi rotations is nonmonotonic, and the period decreases with pulse-area and increases with temperature. By comparing the experiments to a weak-coupling model of the exciton-phonon interaction, we demonstrate that the observed renormalization of the Rabi frequency is induced by fluctuations in the bath of longitudinal acoustic phonons, an effect that is a phonon analogy of the Lamb-shift.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2010

Spin detection at elevated temperatures using a driven double quantum dot

We consider a double quantum dot in the Pauli blockade regime interacting with a nearby single spin. We show that under microwave irradiation the average electron occupations of the dots exhibit resonances that are sensitive to the state of the nearby spin. The system thus acts as a spin meter for the nearby spin. We investigate the conditions for a non-demolition read-out of the spin and find that the meter works at temperatures comparable to the dot charging energy and sensitivity is mainly limited by the intradot spin relaxation.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗