Quantum Sensing in the Physically Rotating Frame

Quantum control of qubits in a physically rotating frame opens new opportunities to probe fundamental quantum physics, such as geometric phases, and can improve the sensitivity to detection of magnetic fields and rotations. We describe quantum measurement and control of nitrogen vacancy (NV) center qubits in a diamond rotating with a period comparable to the qubit electron spin coherence time T₂. We use these rotating frame quantum sensors to detect rotationally-induced magnetic pseudo-fields acting on a bath of ¹³C nuclear spins surrounding the NV qubits (Nat Phys doi:10.1038/nphys4221). By rotating the diamond at rates comparable to the nuclear spin precession frequency (>100,000rpm) we can induce pseudo-fields large enough to cancel the conventional magnetic field for the nuclear spins while having minimal effect on the NV qubits. As well as highlighting the profound connection between magnetism and physical rotation, these results establish a novel way of controlling the nuclear spin bath surrounding the NV center. We discuss future work involving control of single NV qubits in a rotating diamond and possible improvements to metrology conferred by rapid sensor rotation.