Induction-detection electron spin resonance with sensitivity of 1000 spins: En route to scalable quantum computations

The detection and imaging with high spatial resolution of a small number of electron spins is an important problem in science and technology. Here we show that, by making use of the smallest electron spin resonance resonator constructed to date (similar to 5 mu m) together with a unique cryogenic amplification scheme and submicron imaging capabilities, a sensitivity of less than 1000 electron spins is obtained with spatial resolution of similar to 500 nm. This is the most sensitive induction-detection experiment carried out to date and it opens the door to many potential applications, one of which is the demonstration of a scalable quantum computation capability. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.