Local and bulk (13)C hyperpolarization in nitrogen-vacancy-centred diamonds at variable fields and orientations.

Area of Science:

• Quantum Physics
• Materials Science
• Chemistry

Background:

• Polarizing nuclear spins is crucial for advancements in biology, chemistry, and physics.
• Current methods for hyperpolarizing carbon-13 (13C) nuclei often require cryogenic temperatures.
• Existing room-temperature techniques using diamond nitrogen-vacancy centers are limited by stringent magnetic field requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a versatile room-temperature approach for efficient electron-13C spin-alignment transfer.
• To overcome the limitations of magnetic field strength and orientation dependency in current methods.
• To enable broader applications of diamond nitrogen-vacancy centers in nuclear magnetic resonance and quantum information processing.

Main Methods:

• Combined coherent microwave- and incoherent laser-induced transitions.
• Targeted selected energy states within the coupled electron-nuclear spin manifold.
• Utilized diamond nitrogen-vacancy centers for spin polarization at room temperature.

Main Results:

• Achieved efficient electron-13C spin-alignment transfer compatible with diverse magnetic field strengths and orientations.
• Demonstrated hyperpolarization transfer via first-shell and distant 13C nuclei throughout the bulk ensemble.
• Successfully employed 13C-detected nuclear magnetic resonance experiments to validate the hyperpolarization.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers a versatile and efficient way to hyperpolarize 13C nuclei at room temperature.
• This technique significantly expands the applicability of diamond nitrogen-vacancy centers.
• Opens new avenues for nuclear magnetic resonance and quantum information processing applications.