Detection, spectroscopy and state preparation of a single praseodymium ion in a crystal

Solid-state emitters with atom-like optical and magnetic transitions are highly desirable for efficient and scalable quantum state engineering and information processing. Quantum dots, color centers and impurities embedded in inorganic hosts have attracted a great deal of attention in this context, but influences from the matrix continue to pose challenges on the degree of attainable coherence in each system. We report on a new solid-state platform based on the optical detection of single praseodymium ions via 4f intrashell transitions, which are well shielded from their surroundings. By combining cryogenic high-resolution laser spectroscopy with fluorescence microscopy, we were able to spectrally select and spatially resolve individual ions. In addition to elaborating on the essential experimental steps for achieving this long-sought goal, we demonstrate state preparation and read out of the three ground-state hyperfine levels, which are known to have lifetimes of the order of hundred seconds.