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Durga Bhaktavatsala Rao Dasari

Publications and source records attributed to Durga Bhaktavatsala Rao Dasari.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

Electrically tunable, two-photon interference from remote silicon-vacancy centers in industrial silicon carbide

Distributed quantum networks rely on spatially separated, independently operated quantum systems as network nodes, whose emitted photons must be interfered with high visibility to establish end-to-end entanglement. Crucially, for network-relevant applications, high visibilities must be achieved over prolonged timescales to reduce overheads for error correction, and to increase network rates. Here, we demonstrate experimentally that silicon vacancy $\mathrm{V_{Si}}$ color centers in silicon carbide (SiC) achieve these requirements, notably in a mass-deployable fashion. We integrate $\mathrm{V_{Si}}$ centers in different industrial-grade SiC p-i-n diodes, which are controlled via voltage biassing. This way, we demonstrate both, spectral overlapping of 19 randomly selected $\mathrm{V_{Si}}$ centers in different diodes, as well as spectral narrowing close to the lifetime limit, i.e., typically below 60 MHz. Notably, these performance parameters are long-term stable, e.g., readjusting the p-i-n diode bias is required only every 8.4 hours, which reduces significantly the overall experimental overhead. We then use these assets to demonstrate high-quality two-photon interference between $\mathrm{V_{Si}}$ centers located in two different cryostat setups, which are spatially separated by two meters. Notably, we perform a 26-days long measurement campaign, demonstrating two-photon interference with state-of-the-art raw interference visibilities of 82%, which aligns with the current state-of-the-art. These results establish $\mathrm{V_{Si}}$ centers in industry-grade SiC devices as a scalable, spectrally stable building block for distributed quantum networks.

quant-ph↗

Strain-induced modification of spin-optical dynamics in silicon vacancy centers for integrated quantum technologies

Silicon vacancy (VSi) centers in 4H silicon carbide have emerged as a highly promising platform for semiconductor-based quantum technologies, combining excellent spin and optical properties with an industrial-grade, CMOS-compatible material. As these defects are increasingly integrated into practical quantum devices, they inevitably encounter lattice strain. However, while the impact of strain is well documented for other solid-state defects like NV centers in diamond, its specific influence on key VSi spin dynamics such as initialization fidelity and state lifetimes remain largely unexplored. In this work, we address this critical gap by designing fully optical pulse sequences and incorporating the effective spin-3/2 strain Hamiltonian into our analysis. This combined approach allows us to isolate both axial and transverse strain contributions and systematically characterize their effect on the metastable state transition rates. Specifically, we reveal that strain significantly reduces the transition rates from the energetically lowest metastable state to the ground state quartet, leading to decreased photon emission. Supported by first-principles calculations, our findings provide a deeper understanding of VSi spin-strain dynamics, yielding crucial insights for the robust deployment of these centers in realistic, strain-prone environments.

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Enhanced security in Quantum Token protocols using Hybrid Spin-Photon Interfaces

Quantum token protocols enable unforgeable quantum tokens promising unconditional security beyond classical cryptographic assumptions. We show here that the three stages of the Quantum token protocols involving the preparation, storage and verification can be made more secure when involving spin-photon interfaces that leverage high fidelity hybrid tripartite (spin-photon-spin) entanglement, Bell state measurements and highly coherent spin quantum memories. Further we describe the physical implementation of various stages of the protocol using the hybrid electron and nuclear spins in diamond interfaced with time-bin photons.

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Collective purification of interacting quantum networks beyond symmetry constraints

Following any quantum information processing protocol, it is essential to reset a mixed state of a many-body interacting spin-network to the computational-zero pure state. This task is challenging, both theoretically and experimentally, because of the quantum correlations. There is currently no effective cooling strategy for both high and low temperatures in such networks. Here we put forth a universal cooling strategy for multi-spin interacting networks. The strategy is based on the collective coupling of the system to an ancilla spin that intermittently dumps part of its entropy into an ultracold bath. Yet this strategy should overcome the symmetry-imposed correlations that impede the cooling. To avoid the prohibitive complexity of computing the dynamics, we resort to graph analysis of the network. %To approach the desired state, We show that a unique choice of alternating, non-commuting system-ancilla interaction Hamiltonians exists that breaks the symmetry constraints and allows the network to approach the desired pure state. We illustrate this universal purification strategy in diverse experimental settings.

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Near-limit quantum control beyond analytic tractability in many-body spin systems

As quantum control approaches hardware-imposed performance limits, weak effects omitted by reduced models become consequential. Assumptions required for analytic tractability then cease to guide control design and instead constrain further improvement. Here, we relax such assumptions and use simulation-guided stochastic tree search to navigate combinatorially large, discrete pulse-sequence spaces for robust many-body spin control. Experimentally, in a solid-state spin ensemble, the resulting computationally discovered pulse sequences substantially outperform analytically optimized baselines, despite being excluded by construction from analytic design criteria. Importantly, these unconventional sequences expose predictive structural features that enable rapid neural network--based performance evaluation. This efficiency gain makes the combinatorial scaling tractable and expands the control alphabet from 8 symmetry-restricted pulses to over 26,000 hardware-resolved options. The resulting fine-grained design freedom provides the control resolution required to reliably address weak, performance-limiting effects, unlocking qualitatively different spin-control capabilities beyond decades of traditional sequence design. Together, these results show that near performance limits, simplifying assumptions can become a primary constraint on quantum control in realistic hardware, and must be repurposed to guide computational discovery.

quant-ph↗

Converting coherence into work with a fully quantum engine

Heat engines convert thermal energy into mechanical work. We here report the experimental realization of a fully quantum engine that converts quantum coherence into work. A single solid-state spin in diamond is fueled by a coherent bath and cyclically stores energy in a spin quantum battery. We establish quantum-enhanced performance by showing that almost 200$\%$ more work is produced after a few cycle compared to the corresponding classical engine. We obtain concrete criteria for successful coherence-to-work conversion, and highlight the importance of a coherent motor-battery interaction. This device harnesses nonclassical features during all stages of its cycle, and demonstrates the functionality of a nanomachine whose parts are all quantum coherent.

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Hybrid spin-phonon architecture for scalable solid-state quantum nodes

Solid-state spin systems hold great promise for quantum information processing and the construction of quantum networks. However, the considerable inhomogeneity of spins in solids poses a significant challenge to the scaling of solid-state quantum systems. A practical protocol to individually control and entangle spins remains elusive. To this end, we propose a hybrid spin-phonon architecture based on spin-embedded SiC optomechanical crystal (OMC) cavities, which integrates photonic and phononic channels allowing for interactions between multiple spins. With a Raman-facilitated process, the OMC cavities support coupling between the spin and the zero-point motion of the OMC cavity mode reaching 0.57 MHz, facilitating phonon preparation and spin Rabi swap processes. Based on this, we develop a spin-phonon interface that achieves a two-qubit controlled-Z gate with a simulated fidelity of $96.80\%$ and efficiently generates highly entangled Dicke states with over $99\%$ fidelity, by engineering the strongly coupled spin-phonon dark state which is robust against loss from excited state relaxation as well as spectral inhomogeneity of the defect centers. This provides a hybrid platform for exploring spin entanglement with potential scalability and full connectivity in addition to an optical link, and offers a pathway to investigate quantum acoustics in solid-state systems.

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Towards Nonlinear Quantum Thermodynamics

We have recently put forth several schemes of unconventional, nonlinearly-enabled thermodynamic (TD) devices that can operate in either the classical or the quantum domain by transforming thermal-state input in multiple uncorrelated modes into non-gaussian state output in selected modes: a four-mode Kerr-nonlinear interferometer that acts as a heat engine; two coupled Kerr-nonlinear Mach-Zehnder interferometers that act as a phase microscope with unprecedented phase resolution; and a noise sensor that can distinguish between unknown nonlinear quantum processes. These schemes reveal the unique merits of nonlinear TD devices: their ability to act in an autonomous, fully coherent, dissipationless fashion, unlike their conventional counterparts. Here we present the opportunities and challenges facing this new paradigm of nonlinear (NL) quantum and classical TD devices along the following lines: A) Linear versus nonlinear multimode transformations in TD devices: what are the principal distinctions between the two types of transformations? B) Classical versus quantum effects in NL TD devices: what are their main differences? Is quantumness an advantage or a disadvantage? C) Deterministic methods of achieving giant nonlinearity at the few-photon level via coherent processes, including multiatom-bath interactions which can paradoxically yield NL Hamiltonian effects: their comparison with probabilistic, measurement-based methods that can achieve similar NL effects in the quantum domain.

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Remote Cooling of Spin-ensembles through a Spin-mechanical Hybrid Interface

We present a protocol for the ground-state cooling of a tripartite hybrid quantum system, in which a macroscopic oscillator acts as a mediator between a single probe spin and a remote spin ensemble. In the presence of weak dispersive coupling between the spins and the oscillator, cooling of the oscillator and the ensemble spins can be achieved by exploiting the feedback from frequent measurements of the single probe spin. We explore the parameter regimes necessary to cool the ensemble, the oscillator, or both to their thermal ground states. This novel cooling protocol shows that, even with only weak dispersive coupling, energy transfer-like effects can be obtained by simply manipulating the probe spin. These results not only contribute to the development of a practical solution for cooling/polarizing large spin ensembles, but also provide a relatively simple means of tuning the dynamics of a hybrid system. The proposed cooling protocol thus has broader implications for advancing various quantum technology applications, such as macroscopic quantum state generation and remote sensing.

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Anti-Zeno purification of spin baths by quantum probe measurements

The quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno paradigms have thus far addressed the evolution control of a quantum system coupled to an immutable bath via non-selective measurements performed at appropriate intervals. We fundamentally modify these paradigms by introducing, theoretically and experimentally, the concept of controlling the bath state via selective measurements of the system (a qubit). We show that at intervals corresponding to the anti-Zeno regime of the system-bath exchange, a sequence of measurements has strongly correlated outcomes. These correlations can dramatically enhance the bath-state purity and yield a low-entropy steady state of the bath. The purified bath state persists long after the measurements are completed. Such purification enables the exploitation of spin baths as long-lived quantum memories or as quantum-enhanced sensors. The experiment involved a repeatedly probed defect center dephased by a nuclear spin bath in a diamond at low-temperature.

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Microscopic study of optically-stable, coherent color centers in diamond generated by high-temperature annealing

Single color centers in solid have emerged as promising physical platforms for quantum information science. Creating these centers with excellent quantum properties is a key foundation for further technological developments. In particular, the microscopic understanding of the spin bath environments is the key to engineer color centers for quantum control. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a distinct high-temperature annealing (HTA) approach for creating high-quality nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in implantation-free diamonds. Simultaneously using the created NV centers as probes for their local environment we verify that no damage was microscopically induced by the HTA. Nearly all single NV centers created in ultra-low-nitrogen-concentration membranes possess stable and Fourier-transform-limited optical spectra. Furthermore, HTA strongly reduces noise sources naturally grown in ensemble samples, and leads to more than three-fold improvements of decoherence time and sensitivity. We also verify that the vacancy activation and defect reformation, especially H3 and P1 centers, can explain the reconfiguration between spin baths and color centers. This novel approach will become a powerful tool in vacancy-based quantum technology.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

Thermodynamics of a minimal algorithmic cooling refrigerator

We investigate, theoretically and experimentally, the thermodynamic performance of a minimal three-qubit heat-bath algorithmic cooling refrigerator. We analytically compute the coefficient of performance, the cooling power and the polarization of the target qubit for an arbitrary number of cycles, taking realistic experimental imperfections into account. We determine their fundamental upper bounds in the ideal reversible limit and show that these values may be experimentally approached using a system of three qubits in a nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond.

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Narrow inhomogeneous distribution of spin-active emitters in silicon carbide

Optically active solid-state spin registers have demonstrated their unique potential in quantum computing, communication and sensing. Realizing scalability and increasing application complexity requires entangling multiple individual systems, e.g. via photon interference in an optical network. However, most solid-state emitters show relatively broad spectral distributions, which hinders optical interference experiments. Here, we demonstrate that silicon vacancy centres in semiconductor silicon carbide (SiC) provide a remarkably small natural distribution of their optical absorption/emission lines despite an elevated defect concentration of $\approx 0.43\,\rm μm^{-3}$. In particular, without any external tuning mechanism, we show that only 13 defects have to be investigated until at least two optical lines overlap within the lifetime-limited linewidth. Moreover, we identify emitters with overlapping emission profiles within diffraction limited excitation spots, for which we introduce simplified schemes for generation of computationally-relevant Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) and cluster states. Our results underline the potential of the CMOS-compatible SiC platform toward realizing networked quantum technology applications.

quant-ph↗

A Reinforcement Learning approach for Quantum State Engineering

Machine learning (ML) has become an attractive tool in information processing, however few ML algorithms have been successfully applied in the quantum domain. We show here how classical reinforcement learning (RL) could be used as a tool for quantum state engineering (QSE). We employ a measurement based control for QSE where the action sequences are determined by the choice of the measurement basis and the reward through the fidelity of obtaining the target state. Our analysis clearly displays a learning feature in QSE, for example in preparing arbitrary two-qubit entangled states. It delivers successful action sequences, that generalise previously found human solutions from exact quantum dynamics. We provide a systematic algorithmic approach for using RL algorithms for quantum protocols that deal with non-trivial continuous state (parameter) space, and discuss on scaling of these approaches for preparation of arbitrarily large entangled (cluster) states.

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Single spin resonance in a van der Waals embedded paramagnetic defect

Spins constitute a group of quantum objects forming a key resource in modern quantum technology. Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals materials are of fundamental interest for studying nanoscale magnetic phenomena. However, isolating singular paramagnetic spins in 2D systems is challenging. We report here on a quantum emitting source embedded within hexgonal boron nitride (h-BN) exhibiting optical magnetic resonance (ODMR). We extract an isotropic $g$ factor close to 2 and derive an upper bound for a zero field splitting (ZFS) ($\leq$ 4 MHz). Photoluminescence (PL) behavior under temperature cycling using different excitations is presented, assigning probable zero phonon lines (ZPLs) / phonon side band (PSBs) to emission peaks, compatible with h-BN's phonon density of states, indicating their intrinsic nature. Narrow and inhomogeneous broadened ODMR lines differ significantly from monoatomic vacancy defect lines known in literature. We derive a hyperfine coupling of around 10 MHz. Its angular dependence indicates an unpaired electron in an out-of-plane $π$-orbital, probably originating from an additional substitutional carbon impurity or other low mass atom. We determine the spin relaxation time $T_1$ to be around 17 $μ$s.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

High-resolution spectroscopy of single nuclear spins via sequential weak measurements

Quantum sensors have recently achieved to detect the magnetic moment of few or single nuclear spins and measure their magnetic resonance (NMR) signal. However, the spectral resolution, a key feature of NMR, has been limited by relaxation of the sensor to a few kHz at room temperature. The spectral resolution of NMR signals from single nuclear spins can be improved by, e.g., using quantum memories, however at the expense of sensitivity. Classical signals on the other hand can be measured with exceptional spectral resolution by using continuous measurement techniques, without compromising sensitivity. To apply these techniques to single-spin NMR, it is critical to overcome the impact of back action inherent of quantum measurements. Here we report sequential weak measurements on a single $^{13}$C nuclear spin. The back-action of repetitive weak measurements causes the spin to undergo a quantum dynamics phase transition from coherent trapping to coherent oscillation. Single-spin NMR at room-temperature with a spectral resolution of 3.8 Hz is achieved. These results enable the use of measurement-correlation schemes for the detection of very weakly coupled single spins.

quant-ph↗

Quantum light in curved low dimensional hexagonal boron nitride systems

Low-dimensional wide bandgap semiconductors open a new playing field in quantum optics using sub-bandgap excitation. In this field, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) has been reported to host single quantum emitters (QEs), linking QE density to perimeters. Furthermore, curvature/perimeters in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have demonstrated a key role in QE formation. We investigate a curvature-abundant BN system - quasi one-dimensional BN nanotubes (BNNTs) fabricated via a catalyst-free method. We find that non-treated BNNT is an abundant source of stable QEs and analyze their emission features down to single nanotubes, comparing dispersed/suspended material. Combining high spatial resolution of a scanning electron microscope, we categorize and pin-point emission origin to a scale of less than 20 nm, giving us a one-to-one validation of emission source with dimensions smaller than the laser excitation wavelength, elucidating nano-antenna effects. Two emission origins emerge: hybrid/entwined BNNT. By artificially curving h-BN flakes, similar QE spectral features are observed. The impact on emission of solvents used in commercial products and curved regions is also demonstrated. The 'out of the box' availability of QEs in BNNT, lacking processing contamination, is a milestone for unraveling their atomic features. These findings open possibilities for precision engineering of QEs, puts h-BN under a similar 'umbrella' of TMDC's QEs and provides a model explaining QEs spatial localization/formation using electron/ion irradiation and chemical etching.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

Molecular quantum spin network controlled by a single qubit

Scalable quantum technologies will require an unprecedented combination of precision and complexity for designing stable structures of well-controllable quantum systems. It is a challenging task to find a suitable elementary building block, of which a quantum network can be comprised in a scalable way. Here we present the working principle of such a basic unit, engineered using molecular chemistry, whose control and readout are executed using a nitrogen vacancy (NV) center in diamond. The basic unit we investigate is a synthetic polyproline with electron spins localized on attached molecular sidegroups separated by a few nanometers. We demonstrate the readout and coherent manipulation of very few ($\leq 6 $) of these $S=1/2$ electronic spin systems and access their direct dipolar coupling tensor. Our results show, that it is feasible to use spin-labeled peptides as a resource for a molecular-qubit based network, while at the same time providing simple optical readout of single quantum states through NV-magnetometry. This work lays the foundation for building arbitrary quantum networks using well-established chemistry methods, which has many applications ranging from mapping distances in single molecules to quantum information processing.

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