High-contrast two-quantum optically detected resonances in NV centers in diamond in zero magnetic field

TL;DR

This paper explores zero-field optically detected resonances in NV centers in diamond, revealing magnetically independent resonances useful for quantum control and metrology.

Contribution

It reports the observation of zero-field two-quantum resonances in NV centers using dual microwave and RF excitation, expanding control methods without magnetic bias.

Findings

Identified magnetically independent resonances in ODMR spectra at zero field

Demonstrated narrow resonances suitable for metrological applications

Discussed the specificity of these resonances in NV center control

Abstract

The methods for controlling spin states of negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy centers using a combination of microwave (MW) or radiofrequency (RF) excitation field for electron spin transitions and RF excitation field for nuclear spin transitions are most effective in strong magnetic fields where level anti-crossing (LAC) occurs. However, LAC in zero field can also be used to control spin states, as well as to excite narrow resonances for metrological application. In this paper we present magnetically independent resonances arising in the ODMR spectra of NV centers in bulk diamond under two-frequency (MW+RF) resonant excitation in zero magnetic field, and discuss their specificity.