Low field nano-NMR via three-level system control

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new control method for NV centers in quantum sensing that utilizes all three energy levels, enabling effective nano-NMR in low magnetic fields where traditional two-level models fail.

Contribution

The authors develop a three-level control sequence for NV centers that overcomes limitations of two-level models in weak magnetic fields and strong microwave regimes.

Findings

Effective dynamical decoupling in low magnetic fields

Enhanced nano-NMR capabilities in challenging environments

Demonstrated control sequence exploits hidden Raman transition

Abstract

Conventional control strategies for NV centers in quantum sensing are based on a two-level model of their triplet ground state. However, this approach fails in regimes of weak bias magnetic fields or strong microwave pulses, as we demonstrate. To overcome this limitation, we propose a novel control sequence that exploits all three levels by addressing a hidden Raman configuration with microwave pulses tuned to the zero-field transition. We report excellent performance in typical dynamical decoupling sequences, opening up the possibility for nano-NMR operation in low-field environments.