Little bits of diamond: Optically detected magnetic resonance of nitrogen-vacancy centers

TL;DR

This paper provides instructions for building a simple apparatus to perform optically detected magnetic resonance on diamond NV centers, demonstrating magnetic field measurement with micron-scale resolution suitable for educational settings.

Contribution

It introduces accessible setups for ODMR measurements on NV centers, linking quantum concepts to practical magnetic sensing applications in educational environments.

Findings

Zeeman shifts observed in NV centers under magnetic fields

Spatial resolution of magnetic field measurement is several microns

Apparatus suitable for advanced and introductory educational labs

Abstract

We give instructions for the construction and operation of a simple apparatus for performing optically detected magnetic resonance measurements on diamond samples containing high concentrations of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers. Each NV center has a spin degree of freedom that can be manipulated and monitored by a combination of visible and microwave radiation. We observe Zeeman shifts in the presence of small external magnetic fields and describe a simple method to optically measure magnetic field strengths with a spatial resolution of several microns. The activities described are suitable for use in an advanced undergraduate lab course, powerfully connecting core quantum concepts to cutting edge applications. An even simpler setup, appropriate for use in more introductory settings, is also presented.