Single nitrogen vacancy centers in chemical vapor deposited diamond nanocrystals

TL;DR

This study demonstrates the growth of nanodiamond crystals with single nitrogen-vacancy centers via CVD, revealing size-dependent NV incorporation, especially effective in crystals around 60-70 nm.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the size-dependent incorporation of NV centers in CVD-grown nanodiamonds, optimizing conditions for quantum applications.

Findings

Optimal NV incorporation at 60-70 nm crystal size

Strong size dependence of NV incorporation, especially below 50 nm

Correlation between crystallite size and fluorescence intensity

Abstract

Nanodiamond crystals containing single color centers have been grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The fluorescence from individual crystallites was directly correlated with crystallite size using a combined atomic force and scanning confocal fluorescence microscope. Under the conditions employed, the optimal size for single optically active nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center incorporation was measured to be 60 to 70 nm. The findings highlight a strong dependence of NV incorporation on crystal size, particularly with crystals less than 50 nm in size.