Timekeeping with electron spin states in diamond
J. S. Hodges, N. Y. Yao, D. Maclaurin, M. D. Lukin, C. Rastogi, and D. Englund
Accepted
Frequency standards based on atomic states, such as Rb or Cs vapors, or single trapped ions, are the most precise measures of time. Here we propose and analyze a complementary approach based upon spins in a solid-state system, in particular, the nitrogen-vacancy defect in single crystal diamond. We show that this system can have stability approaching portable atomic standards and is readily incorporable as a chip-scale device. Using a pulsed spin-echo technique, we anticipate an Amited by thermally-induced strain variations; in the absence of such thermal uctuations, the system is limited by spin dephasing and harbors an Allan deviation nearing 10-12tau-1=2. Potential improvements based upon advanced diamond material processing, temperature stabilization and nanophotonic engineering are discussed.llan deviation of