Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Dream First, Details Later
Happy’s Tech Talk #40: Factors in PTH Reliability—Hole Voids
Facing the Future: Time for Real Talk, Early and Often, Between Design and Fabrication
Quantum States in a Nano-object Manipulated using a Mechanical System
August 28, 2015 | University of BaselEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Scientists at the Swiss Nanoscience Institute at the University of Basel have used resonators made from single-crystalline diamonds to develop a novel device in which a quantum system is integrated into a mechanical oscillating system. For the first time, the researchers were able to show that this mechanical system can be used to coherently manipulate an electron spin embedded in the resonator – without external antennas or complex microelectronic structures. The results of this experimental study will be published in Nature Physics.
The oscillating resonator influences the electron spin in the nitrogen-vacancy centers (red arrows). Their spin can be efficiently read out by fluorescence microscopy.
In previous publications, the research team led by Georg H. Endress Professor Patrick Maletinsky described how resonators made from single-crystalline diamonds with individually embedded electrons are highly suited to addressing the spin of these electrons. These diamond resonators were modified in multiple instances so that a carbon atom from the diamond lattice was replaced with a nitrogen atom in their crystal lattices with a missing atom directly adjacent. In these “nitrogen-vacancy centers,” individual electrons are trapped. Their “spin” or intrinsic angular momentum is examined in this research.
When the resonator now begins to oscillate, strain develops in the diamond’s crystal structure. This, in turn, influences the spin of the electrons, which can indicate two possible directions (“up” or “down”) when measured. The direction of the spin can be detected with the aid of fluorescence spectroscopy.
Extremely fast spin oscillation
In this latest publication, the scientists have shaken the resonators in a way that allows them to induce a coherent oscillation of the coupled spin for the first time. This means that the spin of the electrons switches from up to down and vice versa in a controlled and rapid rhythm and that the scientists can control the spin status at any time. This spin oscillation is fast compared with the frequency of the resonator. It also protects the spin against harmful decoherence mechanisms.
It is conceivable that this diamond resonator could be applied to sensors – potentially in a highly sensitive way – because the oscillation of the resonator can be recorded via the altered spin. These new findings also allow the spin to be coherently rotated over a very long period of close to 100 microseconds, making the measurement more precise. Nitrogen-vacancy centers could potentially also be used to develop a quantum computer. In this case, the quick manipulation of its quantum states demonstrated in this work would be a decisive advantage.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Happy’s Tech Talk #40: Factors in PTH Reliability—Hole Voids
07/09/2025 | Happy Holden -- Column: Happy’s Tech TalkWhen we consider via reliability, the major contributing factors are typically processing deviations. These can be subtle and not always visible. One particularly insightful column was by Mike Carano, “Causes of Plating Voids, Pre-electroless Copper,” where he outlined some of the possible causes of hole defects for both plated through-hole (PTH) and blind vias.
Study on Resonance Mitigation in Metallic Shielding for Integrated Circuits
07/08/2025 | Maria Cuesta-Martin, Victor Martinez, Vidal Gonzalez Aguado, Würth ElektronikInherent cavity resonant modes often lead to significant degradation of shielding effectiveness, responsible for unwanted electromagnetic coupling. Cavity resonant modes of the metal shielding enclosure can produce two adverse problems: the mutual coupling among different RF modules and shielding effectiveness reduction of the metal enclosure. The cabinets serve to shield certain components from electromagnetic interference (EMI). However, these cavities present some resonance peaks at 5 GHz, making it impossible to use them at higher frequencies.
It’s Only Common Sense: Your Guide to Better Time Management
07/07/2025 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseOne of the most valuable assets a salesperson has is time, and how you manage it can be the difference between barely meeting quotas and crushing them consistently. Time management is about being effective and prioritizing tasks that drive results while cutting out or delegating the rest. Here are some strategies to master time management and elevate your sales performance.
Global Dry Film Photoresist Market Set for Robust Growth with Expanding Semiconductor Ecosystem
06/24/2025 | PRNewswireIn 2024, the global market size of Dry Film Photoresist was estimated to be worth US$939 million and is forecast to reach approximately US$1191 million by 2031 with a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period 2025-2031.
Zero Defects International Partner, Epoch International, Announces Sale on Precision Control Systems
06/21/2025 | Zero Defects InternationalZero Defects International partner, EPOCH INTERNATIONAL, has announced significantly reduced overstock pricing for a large quantity of precision industrial motor, actuator, and sensor control systems.