Microwave spectroscopy for diagnostics of nitrogen vacancy defects in diamond samples

A setup is described that combines microwave  spectroscopy with optical excitation and detection of luminescence of  NV–  colour centers in diamond crystals. The parameters of the system  (design of the microwave antenna, microwave power and timing, and fast 

optical detection) allow studies of relaxation properties of the NV–  defects and manipulation of their spin properties.