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

TL;DR

This paper employs pulsed optically detected magnetic resonance to investigate the excited-state electron-spin transitions of single NV centers in diamond, clarifying their fine structure for quantum information applications.

Contribution

It provides the first direct measurement and unambiguous assignment of the excited-state fine structure of single NV centers using photoluminescence lifetime changes.

Findings

Identified the excited-state fine structure of NV centers.

Demonstrated the use of photoluminescence lifetime for state assignment.

Enhanced understanding of NV center energy levels for quantum tech.

Abstract

Using pulsed optically detected magnetic resonance techniques, we directly probe electron-spin resonance transitions in the excited-state of single Nitrogen-Vacancy 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 3E excited state, which is invaluable for the development of diamond-based quantum information processing.