nitrogenvacancykeskukset

Nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are point defects where a nitrogen atom replaces a carbon atom adjacent to a lattice vacancy. This defect structure, consisting of a nitrogen atom and a missing carbon atom in the diamond lattice, exhibits unique quantum properties. These properties make NV centers highly attractive for a range of quantum technologies, including sensing and quantum computing.

The electronic spin state of the NV center can be optically initialized and read out, and coherently controlled using microwave pulses. This spin state is also highly sensitive to external magnetic fields, electric fields, temperature, and strain. This sensitivity, combined with the ability to perform measurements at the nanoscale, positions NV centers as powerful quantum sensors. For example, they can be used to measure magnetic fields with nanoscale resolution, enabling applications in materials science, biology, and solid-state physics.

In quantum computing, NV centers can serve as qubits. Their long coherence times at room temperature and the ability to create entangled states between multiple NV centers are key advantages. Researchers are exploring methods to couple NV centers to other quantum systems, such as photons or other solid-state qubits, to build scalable quantum processors. The development of techniques for fabricating and controlling NV centers with high precision is an ongoing area of research, crucial for realizing their full technological potential.