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Burning and graphitization of optically levitated nanodiamonds in vacuum
A T M A Rahman1,2, A C Frangeskou2, M S Kim3
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT, UK.
Scientific Reports
|February 23, 2016
Summary
Optically levitated nanodiamonds with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers were studied. Replacing air with nitrogen prevents burning but causes graphitization, while internal temperature measurements confirm diamonds do not melt.
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- Materials science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in nanodiamonds are proposed for quantum gravity tests and mesoscopic superposition experiments.
- Levitated nanodiamonds require stable environments for quantum applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the behavior of optically levitated nanodiamonds with NV centers at sub-atmospheric pressures.
- Determine internal temperature and assess its impact on NV center spin coherence.
- Propose a new method for nanoparticle sizing.
Main Methods:
- Optical levitation of nanodiamonds in controlled gas environments (air, nitrogen).
- Analysis of nanodiamond behavior (burning, graphitization) at varying pressures.
- Extraction of internal temperature (T(i)) from Brownian motion.
- Measurement of damping rates for nanoparticle sizing.
Main Results:
- Burning in air is prevented by using nitrogen, but graphitization occurs below ≈10 mB.
- Internal temperatures are found to be detrimental to NV center spin coherence.
- Measured T(i) values refute claims of diamond melting.
- A novel method for determining nanoparticle size using damping rates is proposed.
Conclusions:
- Nitrogen environment is suitable for levitated nanodiamonds, but pressure must be controlled to avoid graphitization.
- Internal temperature management is crucial for maintaining NV center spin coherence in levitated systems.
- The study provides a new tool for nanoparticle characterization and refutes previous experimental claims.
