Diamond Nanostructures with Color Centers for Quantum Technology Experiments

Abstract

Quantum technology employs physical systems which are best described using the language of quantum mechanics for useful and sometimes novel applications. The immense promise of quantum technology to impact the fields of computing, communication, and metrology is rivaled by the immense challenge of controlling a system's quantum degrees of freedom. This fine-grained control is made possible by recent advances in high speed electronics and precise nanofabrication and provides access to exploration of new technical frontiers. This thesis presents experiments in which nanostructures in diamonds are the foundation for advancements in quantum technology.

We advance two separate platforms -- a building block of a quantum communication network based on silicon-vacancy centers (SiVs) in nanophotonic cavities and a novel platform for nanoscale nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) based on nitrogen-vacancy centers (NVs) in sealed nanowells. Both platforms employ coherent control of optically-accessible quantum spins, made possible through nanoscale fabrication of the materials platform and advanced electronic measurement and control systems.

To advance the SiV platform, we develop a new nanophotonic cavity design framework through which we design novel asymmetric cavities tailored for coherent single photon generation. We also explore the capabilities and practical limitations of the nanophotonic device as a cavity quantum electrodynamics (CQED) system especially with regard to ultra-small mode volume cavities. Along the way, we develop software and simulation infrastructure which are also reported here.

The second platform is a newly developed system for performing NMR with NVs on nanoconfined liquids. This system is operated at room temperature, and it takes advantage of the NV's nanoscale magnetic sensing capabilities. We perform a series of foundational experiments with this new platform which ultimately culminate in demonstrating proton NMR of nanoconfined water.

Together, these advances demonstrate the potential of diamond nanofabrication by advancing the field of quantum information processing with defect centers in solid-state systems and more broadly, making contributions to nanophotonics, quantum communication, and nanoscale metrology.