An instructional lab apparatus for quantum experiments with single nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond

TL;DR

This paper introduces a versatile instructional lab apparatus for undergraduate quantum physics courses, enabling hands-on experiments with single nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond to deepen understanding of quantum phenomena.

Contribution

It presents a comprehensive, adaptable experimental setup for quantum experiments with NV centers, facilitating student-led control and analysis within a semester.

Findings

Enables basic and advanced quantum experiments with NV centers

Allows students to develop control and data analysis software

Provides insights into hardware choices and trade-offs

Abstract

Hands-on experimental experience with quantum systems in the undergraduate physics curriculum provides students with a deeper understanding of quantum physics and equips them for the fast-growing quantum science industry. Here we present an experimental apparatus for performing quantum experiments with single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. This apparatus is capable of basic experiments such as single-qubit initialization, rotation, and measurement, as well as more advanced experiments investigating electron-nuclear spin interactions. We describe the basic physics of the NV center and give examples of potential experiments that can be performed with this apparatus. We also discuss the options and inherent trade-offs associated with the choice of diamond samples and hardware. The apparatus described here enables students to write their own experimental control and data analysis software from scratch all within a single semester of a typical lab course, as well as to inspect the optical components and inner workings of the apparatus. We hope that this work can serve as a standalone resource for any institution that would like to integrate a quantum instructional lab into its undergraduate physics and engineering curriculum.