Free coherent evolution of a coupled atomic spin system initialized by electron scattering

Journal article (2021)

Authors

L.M. Veldman QN/Otte Lab - AS
L.S.M. Farinacci QN/Quantum Nanoscience , QN/Otte Lab - AS
R. Rejali QN/Otte Lab - AS , QN/Quantum Nanoscience
R. Broekhoven QN/Otte Lab - AS
J. Gobeil QN/Quantum Nanoscience , QN/Otte Lab - AS
D. Coffey Blanco QN/Otte Lab - AS
Markus Ternes Forschungszentrum Jülich, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule
A. F. Otte QN/Quantum Nanoscience , QN/Otte Lab - AS
Research Group
QN/Otte Lab (AS) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2021 L.M. Veldman, L.S.M. Farinacci, R. Rejali, R. Broekhoven, J. Gobeil, D. Coffey Blanco, Markus Ternes, A. F. Otte
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abg8223
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Published Date

2021

Language

English

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Faculty

Applied Sciences

Department

QN/Quantum Nanoscience

Research Group

QN/Otte Lab

Abstract

Full insight into the dynamics of a coupled quantum system depends on the ability to follow the effect of a local excitation in real-time. Here, we trace the free coherent evolution of a pair of coupled atomic spins by means of scanning tunneling microscopy. Rather than using microwave pulses, we use a direct-current pump-probe scheme to detect the local magnetization after a current-induced excitation performed on one of the spins. By making use of magnetic interaction with the probe tip, we are able to tune the relative precession of the spins. We show that only if their Larmor frequencies match, the two spins can entangle, causing angular momentum to be swapped back and forth. These results provide insight into the locality of electron spin scattering and set the stage for controlled migration of a quantum state through an extended spin lattice.