The diamond spin systems associated to the Nitrogen-Vacancy center and nearby nuclear spins have emerged in recent years as a versatile tool for a wide range of quantum applications, including quantum sensing, quantum information processing, and studies of fundamental quantum physics. However, the operation of any quantum device is prone to limitations and imperfections. We explore advanced quantum control tools to achieve improved quantum state protection, and enhanced sensing performances.

Quantum sensing technologies exploit quantum systems and quantum properties to perform a measurement of a physical quantity, with levels of accuracy and performance beyond the limitations of classical sensing. We aim at realizing novel quantum sensors based on spin defects in diamond, achieving improved resolution and sensitivity, with strong focus to biological applications.

Understanding thermodynamic processes in quantum systems is the key for the construction of quantum thermal machines, for the efficient collection of energy, for the control of dissipation and thermalization mechanisms, and for the design of energy-optimized devices. We study the dynamics and thermodynamics of open quantum systems realized with electron and nuclear spin systems in diamond. With these controlled systems of coupled spins, we aim to answer questions such as: How the non-classical nature of a system dynamics affects thermodynamic processes? Can we use dissipation to improve quantum heat engines?