Niccolò Fontana

Affiliation: University of Oxford

Research Interests: Molecular Magnetism

Title: Coherent Control of Spin Systems using DC and AC Electric Fields

Abstract: Spin-based quantum systems offer a rich platform for exploring quantum phenomena and potential applica- tions in quantum information processing [1, 2]. The standard method for manipulating and detecting spin states uses microwave pulses resonant with spin transitions via magnetic fields. However, local magnetic control and readout of spin states in devices face challenges due to unwanted crosstalk and the difficulty of confining magnetic fields to the nanoscale. Since electric fields can be localized more easily, electrically controlling spins offers a promising solution to this limitation [3, 4]. In this talk, I will focus on three experiments demonstrating the coherent control of spin systems using both DC and AC electric fields. First, we explore the DC-electric control of a photogenerated, spin-polarized state embedded in a molecular semiconductor that exhibits low spin-orbit coupling—a property typically deemed essential for effective electric field manipulation. Next, we delve into the implementation of electric dipole spin resonance in a macroscopic 3D sample, leveraging spin degrees of freedom to manipulate electric polarization. Finally, I will present the integration of electric fields into an ENDOR-inspired pulse sequence to perform simple quantum algorithms. Our work opens up new possibilities for precise, localized control of spin systems, offering a pathway to more scalable and noise-robust quantum technologies.