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Probing many-body phenomena with atomically thin nuclear spin layers in diamond

Philipp J. Vetter1,2,*, Christoph Findler1,2,3, Antonio Verdú4, Matthias Kost2,5, Rémi Blinder1,2, Jens Fuhrmann1,2, Christian Osterkamp3, Johannes Lang3, Martin B. Plenio2,5 et al.

Javier Prior4 and Fedor Jelezko1,2,†

  • *Contact author: philipp.vetter@uni-ulm.de
  • †Contact author: fedor.jelezko@uni-ulm.de
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Phys. Rev. Research 8, 023304 – Published 16 June, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/6z22-4z36

Abstract

Quantum simulation aims to recreate complex many-body phenomena in controlled environments, offering insights into dynamics that are otherwise difficult to model. Existing platforms, however, are often complex and costly to scale, typically requiring ultrapure vacuum or low temperatures. Here, we introduce a platform based on a thin, strongly interacting C13 nuclear spin layer in diamond that allows controlled exploration of many-body dynamics at room temperature. Nearby nitrogen-vacancy centers enable polarization, readout, and, combined with radio-frequency fields, coherent control of the nuclear spins. We demonstrate strong, tunable interactions among the nuclear spins and use the system to probe discrete time-crystalline order across varying interaction ranges. By combining ease of use with operation at ambient temperatures, our work opens new opportunities for investigating strongly correlated many-body effects.

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Phys. Rev. Research 8, 023304– Published 16 June, 2026
  • Received 18 December 2025
  • Accepted 19 May 2026
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