Kavli Affiliate: Robert L. Byer
| First 5 Authors: Jakob M. Grzesik, Jakob M. Grzesik, , ,
| Summary:
Scattering experiments with energetic particles, such as free electrons, have
been historically used to reveal the quantum structure of matter. However,
realizing coherent interactions between free-electron beams and solid-state
quantum systems has remained out of reach, owing to their intrinsically weak
coupling. Realizing such coherent control would open up opportunities for
hybrid quantum platforms combining free electrons and solid-state qubits for
coincident quantum information processing and nanoscale sensing. Here, we
present a framework that employs negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy centers
(NV-) in diamond as quantum sensors of a bunched electron beam. We develop a
Lindblad master equation description of the magnetic free-electron–qubit
interactions and identify spin relaxometry as a sensitive probe of the
interaction. Experimentally, we integrate a confocal fluorescence microscopy
setup into a microwave-bunched electron beam line. We monitor charge-state
dynamics and assess their impact on key sensing performance metrics (such as
spin readout contrast), defining safe operating parameters for quantum sensing
experiments. By performing $T_1$ relaxometry under controlled electron beam
exposure, we establish an upper bound on the free-electron–spin coupling
strength. Our results establish NV- centers as quantitative probes of free
electrons, providing a metrological benchmark for free-electron–qubit coupling
under realistic conditions, and chart a route toward solid-state quantum
control with electron beams.
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