Microwave Heating Effect on Diamond Samples of Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers

Area of Science:

• Quantum sensing
• Solid-state physics
• Materials science

Background:

• Diamond defects with negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers are promising nanoscale sensors.
• NV centers exhibit temperature-dependent zero-field splitting (Dgs), enabling optical readout of spin states.
• Accurate measurements require shielding Dgs from thermal disturbances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively and systematically address the microwave heating effect on NV-diamond sensors.
• To investigate the impact of microwave irradiation on Dgs and sensor accuracy.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the quantum lock-in XY8-N method in mitigating this effect.

Main Methods:

• Experimental observation of microwave heating in diamond samples with NV centers.
• Continuous and pulsed microwave irradiation modes were used.
• Measurement of zero-field splitting (Dgs) shifts due to temperature changes.

Main Results:

• A prominent microwave heating effect was observed in diamond samples with NV centers.
• Microwave irradiation caused a significant red-shift in Dgs due to sample temperature rise.
• This heating effect can lead to misinterpretation of temperature and disturbance of magnetic field detection.

Conclusions:

• Microwave heating is a significant factor affecting NV-diamond sensor accuracy.
• The observed heating effect can compromise nanoscale temperature and magnetic field measurements.
• The quantum lock-in XY8-N method effectively minimizes this microwave heating phenomenon.