Science Daily  August 8, 2018
Researchers in Switzerland combined a quantum system with a mechanical oscillator employing electrons trapped in nitrogen-vacancy centers and embedded these spins in single-crystalline mechanical resonators made from diamond. The nitrogen-vacancy spins possess three eigenstates, which can be described as “up,” “down” and “zero.” The researchers showed complete quantum control over such a three-level system, in a way not possible before. They showed that if the three eigenstates are coupled to each other the coherence time can be significantly extended. Research could have application in quantum sensing or quantum information processing… read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE
The oscillating cantilever influences the spin of the electrons in the nitrogen-vacancy centers. Credit: Illustration: University of Basel / Swiss Nanoscience Institute