Optically-pumped dynamic nuclear hyperpolarization in $^{13}$C enriched diamond

TL;DR

This paper explores how optically-pumped nuclear hyperpolarization in highly enriched $^{13}$C diamond can enhance magnetic resonance signals and quantum sensing, revealing the effects of $^{13}$C concentration on hyperpolarization mechanisms.

Contribution

It demonstrates the impact of $^{13}$C enrichment on hyperfine structures and hyperpolarization transfer in diamond with nitrogen vacancy centers, highlighting the role of strongly-coupled $^{13}$C spins.

Findings

High $^{13}$C enrichment increases hyperpolarization efficiency.

Strongly-coupled $^{13}$C spins create resolved hyperfine splittings.

$^{13}$C spins in the first shell do not mediate hyperpolarization transfer.

Abstract

We investigate nuclear spin hyperpolarization from nitrogen vacancy centers in isotopically enriched diamonds with $^{13}$C concentrations up to 100%. $^{13}$C enrichment leads to hyperfine structure of the nitrogen vacancy electron spin resonance spectrum and as a result the spectrum of dynamic nuclear polarization. We show that strongly-coupled $^{13}$C spins in the first shell surrounding a nitrogen vacancy center generate resolved hyperfine splittings, but do not act as an intermediary in the transfer of hyperpolarization of bulk nuclear spins. High levels of $^{13}$C enrichment are desirable to increase the efficiency of hyperpolarizaiton for magnetic resonance signal enhancement, imaging contrast agents, and as a platform for quantum sensing and many-body physics.