A Quantum Repeater Platform based on Single SiV$^-$ Centers in Diamond with Cavity-Assisted, All-Optical Spin Access and Fast Coherent Driving

Abstract

Quantum key distribution enables secure communication based on the principles of quantum mechanics. The distance in fiber-based quantum communication is limited to about a hundred kilometers due to signal attenuation. Thus, quantum repeaters are required to establish large-scale quantum networks. Ideal quantum repeater nodes possess a quantum memory which is efficiently connected to photons, the carrier of quantum information. Color centers in diamond and, in particular, the negatively-charged silicon-vacancy centers are promising candidates to establish such nodes. The major obstacle is an inefficient connection between the color centers spin to the Gaussian optics of fiber networks. Here, we present an efficient spin-photon interface. Individual silicon-vacancy centers coupled to the mode of a hemispherical Fabry-P\'erot microcavity show Purcell-factors larger than 1 when operated in a bath of liquid Helium. We demonstrate coherent optical driving with a Rabi frequency of $290\,\mathrm{MHz}$ and all-optical access to the electron spin in strong magnetic fields of up to $3.2\,\mathrm{T}$. Spin initialization within $67\,\mathrm{ns}$ with a fidelity of $80\,\%$ and a lifetime of $350\,\mathrm{ns}$ are reached inside the cavity. The spin-photon interface is passively stable, enabled by placing a color center containing nanodiamond in the hemispherical Fabry-P\'erot mirror structure and by choosing short cavity lengths. Therefore, our demonstration opens the way to realize quantum repeater applications.