Spin-lattice relaxation of NV centers in nanodiamonds adsorbed on conducting and non-conducting surfaces

Abstract: 
The nitrogen-vacancy color centers in nanodiamonds can be utilized as low-cost, highly versatile quantum sensors for studying surface properties in condensed matter physics through the application of relaxometry protocols. For such applications, a detailed knowledge of the intrinsic relaxation processes of NV centers in nanodiamonds is necessary. Here, we study the spin-lattice relaxation rates of NV ensembles in nanodiamonds with average diameters of 40 nm and 3 μm between room temperature and ∼ 6 K. The NV relaxation curves fit to a stretched-exponential form with a stretching exponent α ≈ 0.7, implying the large distribution of relaxation times of individual centers within nanodiamonds. We determine the Orbach-like scattering on phonons as the leading relaxation mechanism. Finally, we discuss the viability of nanodiamonds as surface sensors when deposited on a metallic substrate and emphasize the need for well-controlled surface preparation techniques.
 
https://doi.org/10.1103/1s53-5wls
Autorzy / Authors: 
I. Benedicic, Y. Tanuma, Z. Gosar, B. Anezo, M. Mrozek, A. Wojciechowski and D. Arcon
Czasopismo: 
Phys. Rev. B
Rok: 
2025
Tematyka badań: 
Nowe materiały
Magnetometria
Zastosowania
Inna tematyka