arXiv subjects

P. Spinicelli

Publications and source records attributed to P. Spinicelli.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2013

Stray-field imaging of magnetic vortices with a single diamond spin

Despite decades of advances in magnetic imaging, obtaining direct, quantitative information with nanometer scale spatial resolution remains an outstanding challenge. Recently, a new technique has emerged that employs a single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) defect in diamond as an atomic-size magnetometer. Although NV magnetometry promises significant advances in magnetic imaging, the effectiveness of the technique, when applied to realistic magnetic nanostructures, remains to be demonstrated. Here we use a scanning NV magnetometer to image a magnetic vortex, which is one of the most iconic object of nanomagnetism, owing to the small size (~10 nm) of the vortex core. We report three-dimensional, vectorial, and quantitative measurements of the stray magnetic field emitted by a vortex in a ferromagnetic square dot, including the detection of the vortex core. We find excellent agreement with micromagnetic simulations, both for regular vortex structures and for higher-order magnetization states. These experiments establish scanning NV magnetometry as a practical and unique tool for fundamental studies in nanomagnetism.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2012

Single-shot readout of multiple nuclear spin qubits in diamond under ambient conditions

We use the electronic spin of a single Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) defect in diamond to observe the real-time evolution of neighboring single nuclear spins under ambient conditions. Using a diamond sample with a natural abundance of $^{13}$C isotopes, we first demonstrate high fidelity initialization and single-shot readout of an individual $^{13}$C nuclear spin. By including the intrinsic $^{14}$N nuclear spin of the NV defect in the quantum register, we then report the simultaneous observation of quantum jumps linked to both nuclear spin species, providing an efficient initialization of the two qubits. These results open up new avenues for diamond-based quantum information processing including active feedback in quantum error correction protocols and tests of quantum correlations with solid-state single spins at room temperature.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2012

Magnetic-field-dependent photodynamics of single NV defects in diamond: Application to qualitative all-optical magnetic imaging

Magnetometry and magnetic imaging with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) defects in diamond rely on the optical detection of electron spin resonance (ESR). However, this technique is inherently limited to magnetic fields that are weak enough to avoid electron spin mixing. Here we focus on the high off-axis magnetic field regime for which spin mixing alters the NV defect spin dynamics. We first study in a quantitative manner the dependence of the NV defect optical properties on the magnetic field vector B. Magnetic-field-dependent time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) measurements are compared to a seven-level model of the NV defect that accounts for field-induced spin mixing. The model reproduces the decreases in (i) ESR contrast, (ii) PL intensity and (iii) excited level lifetime with an increasing off-axis magnetic field. We next demonstrate that those effects can be used to perform all-optical magnetic imaging in the high off-axis magnetic field regime. Using a scanning NV defect microscope, we map the stray field of a magnetic hard disk through both PL and fluorescence lifetime imaging. This all-optical method for high magnetic field imaging at the nanoscale might be of interest in the field of nanomagnetism, where samples producing fields in excess of several tens of milliteslas are typical.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2012

Nanoscale magnetic field mapping with a single spin scanning probe magnetometer

We demonstrate quantitative magnetic field mapping with nanoscale resolution, by applying a lock-in technique on the electron spin resonance frequency of a single nitrogen-vacancy defect placed at the apex of an atomic force microscope tip. In addition, we report an all-optical magnetic imaging technique which is sensitive to large off-axis magnetic fields, thus extending the operation range of diamond-based magnetometry. Both techniques are illustrated by using a magnetic hard disk as a test sample. Owing to the non-perturbing and quantitative nature of the magnetic probe, this work should open up numerous perspectives in nanomagnetism and spintronics.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2012

Avoiding power broadening in optically detected magnetic resonance of single NV defects for enhanced DC-magnetic field sensitivity

We report a systematic study of the magnetic field sensitivity of a magnetic sensor based on a single Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) defect in diamond, by using continuous optically detected electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. We first investigate the behavior of the ESR contrast and linewidth as a function of the microwave and optical pumping power. The experimental results are in good agreement with a simplified model of the NV defect spin dynamics, yielding to an optimized sensitivity around 2 μT/\sqrt{\rm Hz}. We then demonstrate an enhancement of the magnetic sensitivity by one order of magnitude by using a simple pulsed-ESR scheme. This technique is based on repetitive excitation of the NV defect with a resonant microwave π-pulse followed by an optimized read-out laser pulse, allowing to fully eliminate power broadening of the ESR linewidth. The achieved sensitivity is similar to the one obtained by using Ramsey-type sequences, which is the optimal magnetic field sensitivity for the detection of DC magnetic fields.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2010

Engineered arrays of NV color centers in diamond based on implantation of CN- molecules through nanoapertures

We report a versatile method to engineer arrays of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers in dia- mond at the nanoscale. The defects were produced in parallel by ion implantation through 80 nm diameter apertures patterned using electron beam lithography in a PMMA layer deposited on a diamond surface. The implantation was performed with CN- molecules which increased the NV defect formation yield. This method could enable the realization of a solid-state coupled-spin array and could be used for positioning an optically active NV center on a photonic microstructure.

quant-ph↗