Probing the local density of states in three dimensions with a scanning single quantum emitter

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a method using a single nitrogen vacancy center in nanodiamond to perform three-dimensional scanning-probe fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, enabling nanoscale mapping of the local density of optical states.

Contribution

It introduces a novel technique for 3D mapping of the local density of optical states using a single quantum emitter in a scanning-probe setup.

Findings

Achieved nanoscale resolution in local density of optical states

Enabled three-dimensional imaging with a single quantum emitter

Provided insights into quantum optical processes and device engineering

Abstract

Their intrinsic properties render single quantum systems as ideal tools for quantum enhanced sensing and microscopy. As an additional benefit, their size is typically on an atomic scale which enables sensing with very high spatial resolution. Here, we report on utilizing a single nitrogen vacancy center in nanodiamond for performing three-dimensional scanning-probe fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. By measuring changes of the single emitter's lifetime information on the local density of optical states is acquired at the nanoscale. This technique to gather information on the local density of optical states is important for the understanding of fundamental quantum optical processes as well as for the engineering of novel photonic and plasmonic devices.