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## Optimized quantum sensing with a single electron spin using real-time adaptive measurements

1508.03983

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### Abstract

Quantum sensors based on single solid-state spins promise a unique combination of sensitivity and spatial resolution. The key challenge in sensing is to achieve minimum estimation uncertainty within a given time and with a high dynamic range. Adaptive strategies have been proposed to achieve optimal performance but their implementation in solid-state systems has been hindered by the demanding experimental requirements. Here we realize adaptive d.c. sensing by combining single-shot readout of an electron spin in diamond with fast feedback. By adapting the spin readout basis in real time based on previous outcomes we demonstrate a sensitivity in Ramsey interferometry surpassing the standard measurement limit. Furthermore, we find by simulations and experiments that adaptive protocols offer a distinctive advantage over the best-known non-adaptive protocols when overhead and limited estimation time are taken into account. Using an optimized adaptive protocol we achieve a magnetic field sensitivity of $$6.1 \pm 1.7$$ nT *Hz$$^{-1/2}$$ over a wide range of 1.78 mT. These results open up a new class of experiments for solid-state sensors in which real-time knowledge of the measurement history is exploited to obtain optimal performance.

### Author and article information

###### Journal
2015-08-17
2015-08-18

Nature Nanotechnology 11, 247-252 (2016)
typos corrected
quant-ph cond-mat.mes-hall
 ScienceOpen disciplines: Quantum physics & Field theory, Nanophysics