Nuclear spin based quantum information processing at high magnetic fields

Abstract

Quantum computers are machines that exploit the quantum mechanical properties of physical systems to realize an exponential speed-up in problem-solving capability compared with existing computers. Existing schemes for the realization of such machines occur in diverse areas such as atomic physics, nuclear magnetic resonance, superconductivity, quantum optics and solid state physics. We are concerned here with the experimental realization of various elements needed for quantum information processing using nuclear spin immersed in a confined electronic system in the quantum Hall regime. Some distinguishing characteristics of this approach include the application of the Overhauser effect for dynamic nuclear polarization at relatively high temperatures, spin measurement using relatively simple electrical detection techniques, spin control with microwave/radio frequency methods, the utilization of the electronic spin exciton as a possible mobile spin transfer mechanism for the eventual realization of a logic gate, and the application of semiconductor technology to device integration. Concepts involved in this approach are also illustrated with experimental results.