Electron spin resonance from NV centers in diamonds levitating in an ion trap

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the observation of electron spin resonance in levitating diamonds with NV centers in an ion trap, enabling spin control and monitoring of crystal rotation under ambient conditions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method of studying NV centers in levitating diamonds within an ion trap, preserving spin properties and enabling rotation monitoring.

Findings

ESR signals are detectable in levitating diamonds.

Spin properties are retained in the ion trap environment.

Rotation of levitating crystals can be monitored via ESR.

Abstract

We report observations of the Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) of Nitrogen Vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds that are levitating in an ion trap. Using a needle Paul trap operating under ambient conditions, we demonstrate efficient microwave driving of the electronic spin and show that the spin properties of deposited diamond particles measured by the ESR are retained in the Paul trap. We also exploit the ESR signal to monitor the rotation of levitating monocrystals, a first step towards spin-controlled mechanical systems in scattering-free traps.