Magnetic pseudo-fields in a rotating electron-nuclear spin system

Abstract

Analogous to the precession of a Foucault pendulum observed on the rotating Earth, a precessing spin observed in a rotating frame of reference appears frequency-shifted. This can be understood as arising from a magnetic pseudo-field1,2 in the rotating frame that nevertheless has physically significant consequences, such as the Barnett effect3. To detect these pseudo-fields, a rotating-frame sensor is required4. Here we use quantum sensors, nitrogen–vacancy (NV) centres, in a rapidly rotating diamond to detect pseudo-fields in the rotating frame. Whereas conventional magnetic fields induce precession at a rate proportional to the gyromagnetic ratio, rotation shifts the precession of all spins..