This article explores the formation of nitrogen-vacancy (NV−) centers along the trajectories of swift heavy ions (SHI) in nitrogen-doped single crystal diamonds. The study uses high-energy gold and uranium ions (1 GeV) to investigate how SHI-induced vacancies interact with native nitrogen to form GR1, NV0, and NV− centers. Using confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy, the authors observe the creation of these color centers and the conversion from GR1 centers to NV centers during thermal annealing.
The research demonstrates that SHI-induced vacancies form along ion tracks due to electronic stopping, with vacancies clustering in regions where the electronic stopping power decreases. Molecular dynamics simulations further explain the vacancy creation process and the formation of isolated vacancies and defect clusters along the ion paths.
Additionally, the paper describes the creation of quasi-1D chains of NV− centers in diamond by irradiating samples with low fluence (1 × 10^8 ions/cm²) gold ions. These isolated NV− chains, which form along single ion tracks, are observed as bright luminescence spots and exhibit excellent spin properties. The study shows that these spin chains have narrow linewidths, enhanced ESR contrast, and stable coherence times, making them promising for quantum sensing and quantum information processing applications.
In conclusion, the study showcases SHI irradiation as an effective method for creating isolated NV− centers with superior spin properties and suggests potential for scaling up NV-center engineering for advanced quantum technologies.
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