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arXiv:1405.7352 · Applied Physics Letters

Three-dimensional localization of spins in diamond using 12C implantation

Kenichi Ohno, F. Joseph Heremans, Charles F. de las Casas, Bryan A. Myers, Benjamín J. Alemán, Ania C. Bleszynski Jayich, David D. Awschalom

Published Aug 4, 2014• 72 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We demonstrate three-dimensional localization of a single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond by combining nitrogen doping during growth with a post-growth 12C implantation technique that facilitates vacancy formation in the crystal. We show that the NV density can be controlled by the implantation dose without necessitating increase of the nitrogen incorporation. By implanting a large 12C dose through nanoscale apertures, we can localize an individual NV center within a volume of (∼180 nm)3 at a deterministic position while repeatedly preserving a coherence time (T2) > 300 μs. This deterministic position control of coherent NV centers enables integration into NV-based nanostructures to realize scalable spin-sensing devices as well as coherent spin coupling mediated by photons and phonons.

DOI
10.1063/1.4890613

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Abstract We demonstrate the three-dimensional localization of a single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in nanodiamond by the use of position-dependent standing-wave laser fields in an external magnetic field. We show that various localization phenomena including cask-like, disc-like, cylinder-like, and sphere-like patterns can be achieved by monitoring the probe absorption spectrum in two different coupling formalisms. By selecting an appropriate combination of system parameters, we can localize an individual NV center within a subspace at a deterministic position, which is a consequence of quantum interference. Furthermore, this deterministic positional control of coherent NV centers may have potential applications in NV-based nanostructures, such as sensing and quantum information-processing devices.
High spatial resolution quantum sensing of near-surface nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond has enabled detection of magnetic, electrical, and thermal signals at the nanoscale. At depths of just a few nanometers, NV centers serve as localized quantum probes for external spins or low-dimensional materials, but their proximity to the surface also enhances decoherence caused by fluctuating nuclear spins. While advances in surface engineering have stabilized the charge state of NV centers at depths of tens of nanometers, achieving both ultra-shallow implantation (0.5-2 nm) and long-term spin coherence remains a central challenge. In this work, we show using first-principles modeling that, by exploiting the interaction of surface-induced strain and weak dc magnetic fields, the spin coherence times of 1-nm-deep NV centers can be greatly improved near the spin-phonon-confined regime at room temperature in 12C-rich diamonds. We also demonstrate that this protocol benefits ~ 10-nm-deep NV centers in natural diamond, enabling vector magnetometry at the nanoscale. Shallow NV centers in diamond are advantageous for quantum sensing but suffer from surface magnetic noise. Using first-principles simulations supported by experiments, the authors show that a combination of small magnetic fields and surface strain can significantly enhance spin coherence of 1 nm-deep NV centers.
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