Diamond based quantum technologies

At a Glance

Metadata	Details
Publication Date	2018-01-01
Journal	EPJ Web of Conferences
Authors	Fedor Jelezko
Institutions	Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology
Citations	1
Analysis	Full AI Review Included

Diamond Substrates for Quantum Technologies: An Analysis for 6CCVD Clients

This technical documentation analyzes the requirements set forth by research into diamond-based quantum technologies, specifically focusing on Nitrogen Vacancy (NV) centers, and maps these needs directly to 6CCVD’s advanced MPCVD diamond manufacturing capabilities.

Executive Summary

This research highlights the critical role of engineered diamond spin systems, particularly NV centers, in advancing quantum information processing and nanoscale sensing. 6CCVD is uniquely positioned to supply the foundational materials necessary for this cutting-edge research.

Core Value Proposition: Optically active color centers in diamond (NV centers) provide unique coherence properties suitable for quantum state manipulation under ambient conditions.
Key Applications: Development of atomic magnetometers for nanoscale sensing, single-molecule Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and enhanced sensitivity for conventional MRI imaging.
Technical Achievement: Demonstration of coherent single spin control and readout, enabling the detection of single external nuclear spins with angstrom-scale resolution.
Material Requirement: Success hinges on ultra-high purity Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) substrates to ensure long spin coherence times (T₂).
Readout Innovation: New photoelectric detection techniques based on spin selective photoionization offer robust and efficient access to the spin state of individual color centers.
6CCVD Solution: We provide the necessary high-quality, low-strain SCD wafers, custom dimensions, and integrated metalization services required for the fabrication of robust quantum devices.

Technical Specifications

The following table extracts the critical performance metrics and material requirements implied by the research on diamond-based quantum sensing.

Parameter	Value	Unit	Context
Operating Environment	Ambient	°C	Coherent spin control achieved without cryogenic cooling
Sensing Target	Single	Nuclear Spin	Required for single-molecule NMR and nanoscale magnetometry
Spatial Resolution	Few	Angstroms	Necessary for resolving the position of external nuclear spins
Required Material Type	Single Crystal	N/A	Essential for minimizing strain and maximizing spin coherence (T₂)
Surface Quality	Ultra-Low	Ra	Critical for attachment of biomolecules and proteins
Device Readout	Photoelectric	N/A	Achieved via spin selective photoionization for efficient access
Substrate Thickness	0.1µm - 10mm	µm/mm	Required for thin sensing layers up to robust substrates

Key Methodologies

The research relies on advanced material engineering and spectroscopic techniques to utilize diamond color centers effectively.

Spin Engineering: Creation of engineered spins (NV centers) within the diamond lattice, typically via nitrogen incorporation during growth or subsequent ion implantation.
Hybrid Spectroscopy: Combination of single molecule spectroscopy and magnetic resonance techniques to read out and manipulate the quantum state of the color centers.
Coherent Control: Implementation of techniques allowing coherent single spin control and readout under ambient (room temperature) conditions.
Nanoscale Integration: Implantation of single NV centers close to the diamond surface, followed by surface functionalization (e.g., attachment of proteins/biomolecules).
Photoelectric Detection: Utilization of spin selective photoionization for robust and efficient electrical readout of the spin state, moving beyond purely optical detection methods.
Dynamic Nuclear Spin Polarization (DNP): Transfer of polarization from optically polarized NV spins to external nuclear spins to enhance the sensitivity of conventional MRI.

6CCVD Solutions & Capabilities

6CCVD is the premier supplier of MPCVD diamond materials optimized for quantum and sensing applications. Our ability to control purity, thickness, and surface finish directly addresses the challenges outlined in this research.

Applicable Materials for Quantum Sensing

To replicate or extend this research, high-quality, low-strain SCD is mandatory. 6CCVD offers materials tailored for NV center creation and long coherence times:

Optical Grade Single Crystal Diamond (SCD):
- Purity: Ultra-low nitrogen and defect concentration, crucial for maximizing T₂ and T₂* coherence times necessary for quantum computing and sensing.
- Thickness Control: Available from 0.1µm thin films (for surface-sensitive devices) up to 500µm wafers.
High Purity Substrates:
- We supply robust SCD substrates up to 10mm thick, providing mechanical stability for complex device integration and high-power microwave delivery systems.
Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD):
- While the paper focuses on NV centers, our BDD material is ideal for related electrochemical sensing and high-frequency microwave components often integrated into quantum setups.

Customization Potential for Device Fabrication

The development of NV-based magnetometers and photoelectric readout devices requires precise material preparation and integration capabilities, all available in-house at 6CCVD:

Capability	Specification	Relevance to Quantum Devices
Custom Dimensions	Plates/wafers up to 125mm (PCD)	Supports large-scale array fabrication and integration into standard semiconductor processes.
Precision Polishing	Ra < 1nm (SCD)	Essential for minimizing surface defects, reducing noise, and enabling reliable attachment of biomolecules (proteins).
Custom Metalization	Au, Pt, Pd, Ti, W, Cu	Required for creating microwave antennae, electrical contacts for photoelectric readout, and bonding layers.
Thickness Control	SCD/PCD from 0.1µm to 500µm	Allows researchers to optimize the sensing depth and optical path length for specific experiments.

Engineering Support

6CCVD’s in-house PhD team specializes in material science for quantum applications. We offer consultation services to optimize material selection for similar NV-based quantum sensing and single-molecule NMR projects.

Nitrogen Control: Assistance in selecting SCD growth recipes to control residual nitrogen concentration, which is critical for subsequent NV creation (either during growth or via post-processing implantation).
Surface Termination: Guidance on achieving specific surface terminations (e.g., oxygen or hydrogen) required for optimal NV performance and successful biomolecule attachment.
Device Integration: Support for defining metalization schemes and layer thicknesses compatible with high-frequency magnetic resonance techniques.

For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly.

View Original Abstract

Diamond is not only the king gemstone, but also a promising material in quantum technologies. Optically active impurities (colour centers) in diamond show unique coherence properties under ambient conditions. Their quantum state can be readout and manipulated using a combination of single molecule spectroscopy and magnetic resonance techniques. In this talk it will be shown how engineered spins in diamond can be used for creation of non-classical (entangled) quantum states. I will also demonstrate the potential of atomic magnetometers based on single color centers for nanoscale sensing and imaging. New photoelectric detection technique allowing efficient readout of single color centers will be discussed.

Tech Support

Original Source

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/201819001003