Materials challenges for quantum technologies based on color centers in diamond

TL;DR

This paper reviews the material science challenges and opportunities in developing diamond-based quantum technologies, focusing on defect control, characterization, and fabrication for applications like sensing and quantum computing.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the key material challenges and potential solutions for advancing diamond quantum technologies.

Findings

Identification of major material challenges in diamond quantum applications

Discussion of novel materials science techniques for defect control

Analysis of opportunities for improving quantum device fabrication

Abstract

Emerging quantum technologies require precise control over quantum systems of increasing complexity. Defects in diamond, particularly the negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center, are a promising platform with the potential to enable technologies ranging from ultra-sensitive nanoscale quantum sensors, to quantum repeaters for long distance quantum networks, to simulators of complex dynamical processes in many-body quantum systems, to scalable quantum computers. While these advances are due in large part to the distinct material properties of diamond, the uniqueness of this material also presents difficulties, and there is a growing need for novel materials science techniques for characterization, growth, defect control, and fabrication dedicated to realizing quantum applications with diamond. In this review we identify and discuss the major materials science challenges and opportunities associated with diamond quantum technologies.