Monolithic diamond optics for single photon detection

In this work, we experimentally demonstrate a novel and simple approach that uses off-the-shelf optical elements to enhance the collection efficiency from a single emitter. The key component is a solid immersion lens made of diamond, the host material for single color centers. We improve the excitation and detection of single emitters by one order of magnitude, as predicted by theory. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3519849]