Implementation of a nitrogen-vacancy micro-pillar array in diamond for a quantum imaging application with improved...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Quantum Sensing
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are promising for magnetic field sensing.
• Current methods for NV-based magnetic imaging face limitations in sensitivity and resolution.
• Patterned diamond structures offer potential for enhanced NV performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and demonstrate a diamond pillar array device for improved magnetic field imaging.
• To enhance the sensitivity and resolution of NV-based magnetic sensing.
• To promote the use of patterned NV ensembles for 2D magnetic imaging.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a diamond pillar array device using an in-situ grown NV-doped diamond epi-layer.
• Patterning of circular truncated cones to create the device structure.
• Utilizing a continuous-wave optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) scheme for demonstration.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 7-fold increase in fluorescence collection intensity.
• Demonstrated a 40% narrower line-width in ODMR.
• Obtained a 2-fold improvement in contrast, leading to enhanced magnetic sensitivity.
• Resolved line currents one order of magnitude smaller than non-patterned NV layers.

Conclusions:

• The fabricated diamond pillar array device significantly improves magnetic field imaging capabilities.
• Artificially patterned NV ensembles are effective for high-resolution magnetic field imaging.
• This advancement is expected to drive wider adoption of NV-based 2D sensing and imaging.