Physical basis of nitrogen-vacancy centers (NV)

Physical basis of nitrogen-vacancy centers (NV)

Quantum controlled states can be used as quantum sensors. In the meantime, one of the favorite sensors are magnetometer sensors based on NV-vacancy nitrogen centers. NV centers can emit red light when excited by green light, but the probability of such phenomena depends on the spin states of their electrons. By placing the spin states in a superposition, only microwaves with the appropriate frequency can change the radiation intensity. Most importantly, this quantum state can last for more than a millisecond at room temperature thanks to the hard diamond lattice that shields the NV centers from vibrations. Among all solid state spins, NV centers in diamond have attracted the most attention for sensing purposes. This is partly due to easy light detection at room temperature and partly due to their stability in very small crystals and nanostructures.