Coherent optical-microwave interface for manipulation of low-field electronic clock transitions in 171Yb3+:Y2SiO5

The coherent interaction of solid-state spins with both optical and microwave fields provides a platform for a range of quantum technologies, such as quantum sensing, microwave-to-optical quantum transduction and optical quantum memories. Rare-earth ions with electronic spins are interesting in this context. In this work, we use a loop-gap microwave resonator to coherently drive optical and microwave clock transitions simultaneously in a Yb-171(3+):Y2SiO5 crystal, achieving a Rabi frequency of 0.56 MHz at 2.497 GHz over a 1-cm long crystal. Furthermore, we provide insights into the spin dephasing at very low fields, showing that superhyperfine-induced collapse of the Hahn echo plays an important role. Our calculations and measurements reveal that the effective magnetic moment can be manipulated in Yb-171(3+):Y2SiO5, which suppresses the superhyperfine interaction at the clock transition. At a doping concentration of 2 ppm and 3.4 K, we achieve spin coherence time of 10.0 +/- 0.4 ms.

Automated summary

In this work, a loop-gap microwave resonator is used to simultaneously drive optical and microwave clock transitions in a Yb-171(3+):Y2SiO5 crystal, achieving a Rabi frequency of 0.56 MHz at 2.497 GHz over a 1-cm long crystal. Insights into spin dephasing at very low fields are provided, showing the important role of superhyperfine-induced collapse of the Hahn echo. Manipulation of the effective magnetic moment in Yb-171(3+):Y2SiO5 is demonstrated to suppress the superhyperfine interaction at the clock transition. A spin coherence time of 10.0 +/- 0.4 ms is achieved at a doping concentration of 2 ppm and 3.4 K.