A silicon quantum-dot-coupled nuclear spin qubit

Single nuclear spins in the solid state are a potential future platform for quantum computing1–3, because they possess long coherence times4–6 and offer excellent controllability7. Measurements can be performed via localized electrons, such as those in single atom dopants8,9 or crystal defects10–12. However, establishing long-range interactions between multiple dopants or defects is challenging13,14. Conversely, in lithographically defined quantum dots, tunable interdot electron tunnelling allows direct coupling of electron spin-based qubits in neighbouring dots15–20. Moreover, the compatibility with semiconductor fabrication techniques21 may allow for scaling to large numbers of qubits in the future. Unfortunately, hyperfine interactions are typically too weak to address single nuclei. Here we show that for electrons in silicon metal–oxide–semiconductor quantum dots the hyperfine interaction is sufficient to initialize, read out and control single 29Si nuclear spins. This approach combines the long coherence times of nuclear spins with the flexibility and scalability of quantum dot systems. We demonstrate high-fidelity projective readout and control of the nuclear spin qubit, as well as entanglement between the nuclear and electron spins. Crucially, we find that both the nuclear spin and electron spin retain their coherence while moving the electron between quantum dots. Hence we envision long-range nuclear–nuclear entanglement via electron shuttling3. Our results establish nuclear spins in quantum dots as a powerful new resource for quantum processing. Nuclear spins are excellent qubits, but long-range interactions are difficult to establish. Here, the authors couple a 29Si nuclear spin to electrons in a lithographically defined quantum dot and show initialization, readout and entanglement with the electron spin. The 29Si retains its coherence under electron transfer between quantum dots.