Theory of Spin-Acoustic Resonance for Spin-3/2 Si Vacancy with $C_{3v}$ Site Symmetry in Silicon Carbide

Abstract

Motivated by the recent acoustically driven spin resonance studies applied to silicon vacancy centers in silicon carbide, we theoretically investigate the spin--strain interaction characterized by the defect spin-$3/2$ quadrupole components coupled to strain fields. Considering the $C_{3v}$ symmetry of the vacancy site beyond the spherical approximation, we clarify the effect of a deviation from the spherical symmetry on spin resonance transition rate, which can be changed by rotating a static magnetic field. The ratios of spin--strain coupling parameters can be evaluated from the anisotropic field-direction dependence of the transition rate using a standing or traveling surface acoustic wave. We also discuss the effect of the propagation direction of the acoustic wave tilted from the crystallographic mirror plane reflecting the $C_{3v}$ symmetry. The results presented here reveal the quadrupole properties inherent in spin-3/2 states and will promote the realization of the acoustically driven strain control of spin.