arXiv subjects

Niko Nikolay

Publications and source records attributed to Niko Nikolay.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Approaching Unity Photon Collection from NV Centers via Ultra-Precise Positioning of Nanodiamonds in Hybrid Nanoantennas

Efficient readout of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond is crucial for various quantum information technologies. However, achieving high-fidelity, single-shot readout at room temperature remains challenging due to limited photon collection efficiency (CE) and background noise. In this work, we enhance the readout efficiency of NV centers by integrating them into hybrid metal-dielectric bullseye nanoantennas using ultra-precise deterministic positioning. This approach enables highly directional emission while minimizing optical losses, resulting in a measured CE of 82\% into a numerical aperture (NA) as low as 0.5, and approaching unity for NA$>$0.8. This marks a substantial improvement over previous realizations using nanodiamonds, highlighting the advantage of combining hybrid nanoantennas with precise positioning. Our results mark a substantial advancement towards efficient single-shot readout of NV centers by significantly improving readout fidelity and efficiency in a simple on-chip configuration.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2021

Ground State Microwave-Stimulated Raman Transitions and Adiabatic Spin Transfer in the $^{15}$Nitrogen-Vacancy Center

Microwave pulse sequences are the basis of coherent manipulation of the electronic spin ground state in nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers. In this work we demonstrate stimulated Raman transitions (SRT) and stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP), two ways to drive the dipole-forbidden transition between two spin sublevels in the electronic triplet ground state of the NV center. This is achieved by a multitone Raman microwave pulse which simultaneously drives two detuned transitions via a virtual level for SRT or via two adiabatic and partially overlapping resonant microwave pulses for STIRAP. We lay the theoretical framework of SRT and STIRAP dynamics and verify experimentally the theoretical predictions of population inversion by observing the dipole-forbidden transition in the ground state of a single NV center. A comparison of the two schemes showed a better robustness and success of the spin swap for STIRAP as compared to SRT.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

On-Chip Integration of Single Solid-State Quantum Emitters with a SiO$_2$ Photonic Platform

One important building block for future integrated nanophotonic devices is the scalable on-chip interfacing of single photon emitters and quantum memories with single optical modes. Here we present the deterministic integration of a single solid-state qubit, the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center, with a photonic platform consisting exclusively of SiO$_2$ grown thermally on a Si substrate. The platform stands out by its ultra-low fluorescence and the ability to produce various passive structures such as high-Q microresonators and mode-size converters. By numerical analysis an optimal structure for the efficient coupling of a dipole emitter to the guided mode could be determined. Experimentally, the integration of a preselected NV emitter was performed with an atomic force microscope and the on-chip excitation of the quantum emitter as well as the coupling of single photons to the guided mode of the integrated structure could be demonstrated. Our approach shows the potential of this platform as a robust nanoscale interface of on-chip photonic structures with solid-state qubits.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2019

Direct Measurement of Quantum Efficiency of Single Photon Emitters in Hexagonal Boron Nitride

Single photon emitters in two-dimensional materials are promising candidates for future generation of quantum photonic technologies. In this work, we experimentally determine the quantum efficiency (QE) of single photon emitters (SPE) in few-layer hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). We employ a metal hemisphere that is attached to the tip of an atomic force microscope to directly measure the lifetime variation of the SPEs as the tip approaches the hBN. This technique enables non-destructive, yet direct and absolute measurement of the QE of SPEs. We find that the emitters exhibit very high QEs approaching $(87 \pm 7)\,\%$ at wavelengths of $\approx\,580\,\mathrm{nm}$, which is amongst the highest QEs recorded for a solid state single photon emitter.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2018

Very Large and Reversible Stark Shift Tuning of Single Emitters in Layered Hexagonal Boron Nitride

Combining solid state single photon emitters (SPE) with nanophotonic platforms is a key goal in integrated quantum photonics. In order to realize functionality in potentially scalable elements, suitable SPEs have to be bright, stable, and widely tunable at room temperature. In this work we show that selected SPEs embedded in a few layer hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) meet these demands. In order to show the wide tunability of these SPEs we employ an AFM with a conductive tip to apply an electrostatic field to individual hBN emitters sandwiched between the tip and an indium tin oxide coated glass slide. A very large and reversible Stark shift of $(5.5 \pm 3)\,$nm at a zero field wavelength of $670\,$nm was induced by applying just $20\,$V, which exceeds the typical resonance linewidths of nanodielectric and even nanoplasmonic resonators. Our results are important to further understand the physical origin of SPEs in hBN as well as for practical quantum photonic applications where wide spectral tuning and on/off resonance switching are required.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2018

Riesz-projection-based theory of light-matter interaction in dispersive nanoresonators

We introduce a theory to analyze the behavior of light emitters in nanostructured environments rigorously. Based on spectral theory, the approach opens the possibility to quantify precisely how an emitter decays to resonant states of the structure and how it couples to a background, also in the presence of general dispersive media. Quantification on this level is essential for designing and analyzing topical nanophotonic setups, e.g., in quantum technology applications. We use a numerical implementation of the theory for computing modal and background decay rates of a single-photon emitter in a diamond nanoresonator.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2018

Fast and accurate functionalization of opaque conductive samples with single nano particles

Single quantum emitters coupled to different plasmonic and photonic structures are key elements for integrated quantum technologies. In order to fully exploit these elements, e.g. for quantum enhanced sensors or quantum repeaters, a reliable fabrication method as enabling technology is crucial. In this work, we present a method that allows for positioning of individual nano crystals containing single quantum light sources on non-transparent conductive samples with sub-micrometer precision. We induce long-range electrostatic forces between an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip, which carries a nano particle, and the target surface. This allows for mapping of the target area in non contact mode. Then, the placement site can be identified with high accuracy without any tip approach, eliminating the risk of a particle loss. We demonstrate the strength of the method by transferring a diamond nano crystal containing a single nitrogen-vacancy defect to the center of a micrometer-sized silver bullseye antenna with nanometer resolution. Our approach provides a simple and reliable assembling technology for positioning single nano objects on opaque substrates with high reproducibility and precision.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2017

A compact and simple photonic nano-antenna for efficient photon extraction from nitrogen vacancy centers in bulk diamond

Enhancing the collection efficiency of single emitters via dielectric antennas is a common approach in research dealing with solid-state quantum light sources. Current design concepts often suffer from a large footprint, quenching or a complex fabrication process. Here we report on another design where the Kerker effect is used to collimate emission from a nitrogen vacancy (NV) center. The structure discussed here is an easy to fabricate cylindrical protrusion made from diamond on top of a diamond substrate with NVs incorporated into its center. We optimize the structure with respect to application in quantum information processing and quantum sensing and find an up to 15 times higher photon extraction.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2017

Photodynamics of quantum emitters in hexagonal boron nitride revealed by low temperature spectroscopy

Quantum emitters in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) have recently emerged as promising bright single photon sources. In this letter we investigate in details their optical properties at cryogenic temperatures. In particular, we perform temperature resolved photoluminescence studies and measure photon coherence times from the hBN emitters. The obtained value of 81(1) ps translates to a width of $\sim$12 GHz which is higher than the Fourier transform limited value of $\sim$32 MHz. To account for the photodynamics of the emitter, we perform ultrafast spectral diffusion measurements that partially account for the coherence times. Our results provide important insight into the relaxation processes in quantum emitters in hBN which is mandatory to evaluate their applicability for quantum information processing.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2013

Thermo-optical response of photonic crystal cavities operating in the visible

In this paper we study thermo-optical effects in gallium phosphite photonic crystal cavities in the visible. By measuring the shift of narrow resonances we derive the temperature dependency of the local refractive index of gallium phosphide in attoliter volumina over a temperature range between 5 K and 300 K at a wavelength of about 605 nm. Additionally, the potential of photonic crystal cavities for thermo-optical switching of visible light is investigated. As an example we demonstrate thermo-optical switching with 13 dB contrast.

physics.optics↗