Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:0902.2330 · Physical Review Letters

Low Temperature Studies of the Excited-State Structure of Negatively Charged Nitrogen-Vacancy Color Centers in Diamond

Anton Batalov, V. Jacques, Florian Kaiser, Petr Siyushev, Philipp Neumann, Lachlan J. Rogers, Roger L. McMurtrie, Neil B. Manson, Fedor Jelezko, Jörg Wrachtrup

Published May 14, 2009• 259 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We report a study of the 3E excited-state structure of single negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) defects in diamond, combining resonant excitation at cryogenic temperatures and optically detected magnetic resonance. A theoretical model is developed and shows excellent agreement with experimental observations. In addition, we show that the two orbital branches associated with the 3E excited state are averaged when operating at room temperature. This study leads to an improved physical understanding of the NV defect electronic structure, which is invaluable for the development of diamond-based quantum information processing.

DOI
10.1103/physrevlett.102.195506

Related papers

Excited-state spectroscopy of single NV defects in diamond using optically detected magnetic resonance

Philipp Neumann, Roman L. Kolesov, V. Jacques +8 more

Using pulsed optically detected magnetic resonance techniques, we directly probe electron-spin resonance transitions in the excited-state of single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers in diamond. Unambiguous assignment of excited state fine structure is made, based on changes of NV defect photoluminescence lifetime. This study provides significant insight into the structure of the emitting 3 E excited state, which is invaluable for the development of diamond-based quantum information processing.

arXiv:0807.2379•New Journal of Physics•Jan 7, 2009•211 citations

Polarization properties of single photons emitted by nitrogen-vacancy defect in diamond at low temperature

Florian Kaiser, V. Jacques, Anton Batalov +3 more

In this report, the polarization properties of the photoluminescence emitted by single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers in diamond are investigated using resonant excitation at cryogenic temperature. We first underline that the two excited-state orbital branches are associated with two orthogonal transition dipoles. Using selective excitation of one dipole, we then show that the photoluminescence is partially unpolarized owing to fast relaxation between the two orbitals induced by the thermal bath. This result might be important in the context of the realization of indistinguishable single photons using NV defect in diamond.

arXiv:0906.3426•Jun 18, 2009•11 citations

The excited state structure of the nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond

Philippe Tamarat, Neil B. Manson, R. L. McMurtie +7 more

Optical and microwave double resonance techniques are used to obtain the excited state structure of single nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. The excited state is an orbital doublet and it is shown that it can be split and associated transition strengths varied by external electric fields and by strain. A group theoretical model is developed. It gives a good account of the observations and contributes to an improved understanding of the electronic structure of the center. The findings are important for quantum information processing and other applications of the center.

arXiv:cond-mat/0610357•Oct 13, 2006•4 citations

Optically Controlled Switching of the Charge State of a Single Nitrogen-Vacancy Center in Diamond at Cryogenic Temperatures

Petr Siyushev, Hugo Pinto, Márton Vörös +3 more

In this Letter, the photoinduced switching of the single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center between two different charge states, negative (${\mathrm{NV}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) and neutral (${\mathrm{NV}}^{0}$), is studied under resonant excitation at liquid helium temperature. We show that resonant conversion of ${\mathrm{NV}}^{0}$ to ${\mathrm{NV}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ significantly improves spectral stability of the ${\mathrm{NV}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ defect and allows high fidelity initialization of the spin qubit. Based on density functional theory calculations a novel mechanism involving an Auger ionization of ${\mathrm{NV}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and charge transfer of an electron from the valence band to ${\mathrm{NV}}^{0}$ is discussed. This study provides further insight into the charge dynamics of the NV center, which is relevant for quantum information processing based on an ${\mathrm{NV}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ defect in diamond.

arXiv:1204.4898•Physical Review Letters•Apr 16, 2013•250 citations

Low-Temperature Photophysics of Single Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers in Diamond

Jodok Happacher, David A. Broadway, Juanita Bocquel +10 more

We investigate the magnetic field dependent photophysics of individual nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers in diamond under cryogenic conditions. At distinct magnetic fields, we observe significant reductions in the NV photoluminescence rate, which indicate a marked decrease in the optical readout efficiency of the NV's ground state spin. We assign these dips to excited state level anticrossings, which occur at magnetic fields that strongly depend on the effective, local strain environment of the NV center. Our results offer new insights into the structure of the NVs' excited states and a new tool for their effective characterization. Using this tool, we observe strong indications for strain-dependent variations of the NV's orbital g factor, obtain new insights into NV charge state dynamics, and draw important conclusions regarding the applicability of NV centers for low-temperature quantum sensing.

arXiv:2105.08075•Physical Review Letters•Apr 29, 2022•26 citations

The negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy centre in diamond: the electronic solution

M W Doherty, N B Manson, P Delaney +1 more

The negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy centre is a unique defect in diamond that possesses properties highly suited to many applications, including quantum information processing, quantum metrology and biolabelling. Although the unique properties of the centre have been extensively documented and utilized, a detailed understanding of the physics of the centre has not yet been achieved. Indeed, there persist a number of points of contention regarding the electronic structure of the centre, such as the ordering of the dark intermediate singlet states. Without a detailed model of the centre's electronic structure, the understanding of the system's unique dynamical properties cannot effectively progress. In this work, the molecular model of the defect centre is fully developed to provide a self-consistent model of the complete electronic structure of the centre. The application of the model to describe the effects of electric, magnetic and strain interactions, as well as the variation of the centre's fine structure with temperature, provides an invaluable tool to those studying the centre and a means of designing future empirical and ab initio studies of this important defect.

arXiv:1008.5224•New Journal of Physics•Feb 21, 2011•284 citations
We report a study of the 3E excited-state structure of single negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) defects in diamond, combining resonant excitation at cryogenic temperatures and optically detected magnetic resonance. A theoretical model is developed and shows excellent agreement with experimental observations. In addition, we show that the two orbital branches associated with the 3E excited state are averaged when operating at room temperature. This study leads to an improved physical understanding of the NV defect electronic structure, which is invaluable for the development of diamond-based quantum information processing.
In this report, the polarization properties of the photoluminescence emitted by single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers in diamond are investigated using resonant excitation at cryogenic temperature. We first underline that the two excited-state orbital branches are associated with two orthogonal transition dipoles. Using selective excitation of one dipole, we then show that the photoluminescence is partially unpolarized owing to fast relaxation between the two orbitals induced by the thermal bath. This result might be important in the context of the realization of indistinguishable single photons using NV defect in diamond.
Optical and microwave double resonance techniques are used to obtain the excited state structure of single nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. The excited state is an orbital doublet and it is shown that it can be split and associated transition strengths varied by external electric fields and by strain. A group theoretical model is developed. It gives a good account of the observations and contributes to an improved understanding of the electronic structure of the center. The findings are important for quantum information processing and other applications of the center.
In this Letter, the photoinduced switching of the single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center between two different charge states, negative (${\mathrm{NV}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) and neutral (NV0{\mathrm{NV}}^{0}NV0), is studied under resonant excitation at liquid helium temperature. We show that resonant conversion of NV0{\mathrm{NV}}^{0}NV0 to ${\mathrm{NV}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ significantly improves spectral stability of the ${\mathrm{NV}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ defect and allows high fidelity initialization of the spin qubit. Based on density functional theory calculations a novel mechanism involving an Auger ionization of ${\mathrm{NV}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and charge transfer of an electron from the valence band to NV0{\mathrm{NV}}^{0}NV0 is discussed. This study provides further insight into the charge dynamics of the NV center, which is relevant for quantum information processing based on an ${\mathrm{NV}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ defect in diamond.
We investigate the magnetic field dependent photophysics of individual nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers in diamond under cryogenic conditions. At distinct magnetic fields, we observe significant reductions in the NV photoluminescence rate, which indicate a marked decrease in the optical readout efficiency of the NV's ground state spin. We assign these dips to excited state level anticrossings, which occur at magnetic fields that strongly depend on the effective, local strain environment of the NV center. Our results offer new insights into the structure of the NVs' excited states and a new tool for their effective characterization. Using this tool, we observe strong indications for strain-dependent variations of the NV's orbital g factor, obtain new insights into NV charge state dynamics, and draw important conclusions regarding the applicability of NV centers for low-temperature quantum sensing.
The negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy centre is a unique defect in diamond that possesses properties highly suited to many applications, including quantum information processing, quantum metrology and biolabelling. Although the unique properties of the centre have been extensively documented and utilized, a detailed understanding of the physics of the centre has not yet been achieved. Indeed, there persist a number of points of contention regarding the electronic structure of the centre, such as the ordering of the dark intermediate singlet states. Without a detailed model of the centre's electronic structure, the understanding of the system's unique dynamical properties cannot effectively progress. In this work, the molecular model of the defect centre is fully developed to provide a self-consistent model of the complete electronic structure of the centre. The application of the model to describe the effects of electric, magnetic and strain interactions, as well as the variation of the centre's fine structure with temperature, provides an invaluable tool to those studying the centre and a means of designing future empirical and ab initio studies of this important defect.