High resolution spectroscopy of single NV defects coupled with nearby $^{13}$C nuclear spins in diamond

TL;DR

This study systematically characterizes the hyperfine interactions between single NV center electron spins and nearby $^{13}$C nuclear spins in diamond, revealing discrete coupling strengths and site-specific interactions crucial for quantum register development.

Contribution

It provides detailed measurements of hyperfine couplings at various lattice sites, advancing understanding of NV-$^{13}$C$ interactions for quantum information applications.

Findings

Hyperfine coupling strengths range from 14 MHz to 400 kHz.

Discrete hyperfine values correspond to specific lattice sites.

Insights into nuclear spin polarization and magnetic field dependence.

Abstract

We report a systematic study of the hyperfine interaction between the electron spin of a single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) defect in diamond and nearby $^{13}$C nuclear spins, by using pulsed electron spin resonance spectroscopy. We isolate a set of discrete values of the hyperfine coupling strength ranging from 14 MHz to 400 kHz and corresponding to $^{13}$C nuclear spins placed at different lattice sites of the diamond matrix. For each lattice site, the hyperfine interaction is further investigated through nuclear spin polarization measurements and by studying the magnetic field dependence of the hyperfine splitting. This work provides informations that are relevant for the development of nuclear-spin based quantum register in diamond.