Quantum sensing of weak radio-frequency signals by pulsed Mollow absorption spectroscopy

T. Joas, A. M. Waeber, G. Braunbeck and F. Reinhard ()
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T. Joas: Technische Universität München
A. M. Waeber: Technische Universität München
G. Braunbeck: Technische Universität München
F. Reinhard: Technische Universität München

Nature Communications, 2017, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-6

Abstract: Abstract Quantum sensors—qubits sensitive to external fields—have become powerful detectors for various small acoustic and electromagnetic fields. A major key to their success have been dynamical decoupling protocols which enhance sensitivity to weak oscillating (AC) signals. Currently, those methods are limited to signal frequencies below a few MHz. Here we harness a quantum-optical effect, the Mollow triplet splitting of a strongly driven two-level system, to overcome this limitation. We microscopically understand this effect as a pulsed dynamical decoupling protocol and find that it enables sensitive detection of fields close to the driven transition. Employing a nitrogen-vacancy center, we detect GHz microwave fields with a signal strength (Rabi frequency) below the current detection limit, which is set by the center’s spectral linewidth $$1{\rm{/}}T_2^*$$ 1 ∕ T 2 * . Pushing detection sensitivity to the much lower 1/T 2 limit, this scheme could enable various applications, most prominently coherent coupling to single phonons and microwave photons.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01158-3

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