Induction-detection electron spin resonance with sensitivity of 1000 spins: En route to scalable quantum computations

The detection and imaging with high spatial resolution of a small number of electron spins is an important problem in science and technology. Here we show that, by making use of the smallest electron spin resonance resonator constructed to date (∼5 μm) together with a unique cryogenic amplification scheme and submicron imaging capabilities, a sensitivity of less than 1000 electron spins is obtained with spatial resolution of ∼500 nm. This is the most sensitive induction-detection experiment carried out to date and it opens the door to many potential applications, one of which is the demonstration of a scalable quantum computation capability.