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    Emergent Decoherence Dynamics in Doubly Disordered Spin Networks

    Cooper M. Selco1,*, Christian Bengs1,2,3,*, Chaitali Shah1, Zhuorui Zhang1, and Ashok Ajoy1,2,†

    • *These authors contributed equally to this work.
    • †Contact author: ashokaj@berkeley.edu

    Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 070803 – Published 12 August, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/td3y-z9wj

    Abstract

    Elucidating the emergence of irreversible macroscopic laws from reversible quantum many-body dynamics remains challenging, particularly in disordered media. Here, in a doubly disordered electron-nuclear spin network in nitrogen-doped diamond, we uncover an emergent decoherence law for C13 polarization, M(t)=e−Rpte−Rdt, that persists over >500  s and across broad Hamiltonian regimes. We trace the law to two interdependent, electron-mediated channels: direct depolarization by a fluctuating electron bath and an indirect pathway governed by polarization transport within the dilute nuclear network, which is anomalous and subdiffusive. Combining Floquet engineering with all-optical modulation of the electron environment, we demonstrate deterministic control of the channels and the ability to selectively eliminate either one. Disorder, typically viewed as detrimental, here proves protective by generating rare electron-free clusters that trap polarization and dominate late-time decay.

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