Electric-field sensing using Quantum spin defect/multiferroic hybrids*

Quantum spin defects (QSD) are promising candidates for probing various condensed matter phenomena owing to their nanometer-scale resolution, wide temperature range, and noninvasive mode of operation. While the spin energy states of QSD are naturally susceptible to external magnetic noise, sensing electric field has so far relied on exploiting the weak Stark effect and/or high-density ensembles [Nature Phys., 7, 459 (2011), Phys. Rev. Applied 16, 024024 (2021)]. In this work, we propose an alternate route towards probing the DC electric field by utilizing the voltage control of magnon-QSD coupling in a ferroelectric/ferromagnetic/Nitrogen vacancy center hybrid. Our results demonstrate nearly an order of magnitude enhancement in sensitivity compared to the Stark effect, thus paving the way towards devising a nanoscale, room temperature hybrid E-field sensor.