Impact of surface and laser-induced noise on the spectral stability of implanted nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond

Scalable realizations of quantum network technologies utilizing the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond require creation of optically coherent NV centers in close proximity to a surface for coupling to optical structures. We create single NV centers by N-15 ion implantation and high-temperature vacuum annealing. The origin of the NV centers is established by optically detected magnetic resonance spectroscopy for nitrogen isotope identification. Near-lifetime-limited optical linewidths (<60 MHz) are observed for the majority of the normal-implant (7 degrees, approximate to 100 nm deep) (NV)-N-15 centers. Long-term stability of the NV- charge state and emission frequency is demonstrated. The effect of NV-surface interaction is investigated by varying the implantation angle for a fixed ion energy, and thus lattice damage profile. In contrast to the normal-implant condition, NVs from an oblique implant (85 degrees, approximate to 20 nm deep) exhibit substantially reduced optical coherence. Our results imply that the surface is a larger source of perturbation than implantation damage for shallow implanted NVs. This work supports the viability of ion implantation for formation of optically stable NV centers. However, careful surface preparation will be necessary for scalable defect engineering.

Automated summary

Successful creation of single NV centers was achieved using N-15 ion implantation and high-temperature vacuum annealing, with optical linewidth close to the lifetime limit. The results suggest that the interaction between NV centers and the surface has a significant impact on optical coherence, rather than the implantation damage.