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On-chip magnetic field sensing with Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers in diamond requires scalable integration of 3D waveguides into diamond substrates. Here, we develop a sensing array device with an ensemble of shallow implanted NV centers integrated with arrays of laser-written waveguides for excitation and readout of NV signals. Our approach enables an easy-to-operate on-chip magnetometer with a pixel size proportional to the Gaussian mode area of each waveguide. The performed continuous wave optically detected magnetic resonance on each waveguide gives an average dc-sensitivity value of $195 \pm 3 {nT}/\sqrt{Hz}$, which can be improved with lock-in-detection or pulsed-microwave sequences. We apply a magnetic field to separate the four NV crystallographic orientations of the magnetic resonance and then utilize a DC current through a straight wire antenna close to the waveguide to prove the sensor capabilities of our device. We reconstruct the complete vector magnetic field in the NV crystal frame using three different NV crystallographic orientations. By knowing the polarization axis of the waveguide mode, we project the magnetic field vector into the lab frame.

Group IV color centers in diamond are among the most promising optically active spin systems with strong optical transitions and long spin coherences. The ground-state splitting of the center is particularly important to suppress the interaction with coherence-limiting phonons, which improves the coherence properties and sets the upper limit for the operating temperature. Negatively charged silicon-vacancy centers have an ordinary ground-state splitting of only 48GHz, resulting in required temperatures below one Kelvin, which can only be achieved by dilution refrigerators. Here, we increase the ground-state splitting by up to an order of magnitude by induced strain in a single-crystal diamond membrane. Furthermore, we demonstrate cavity-assisted spectroscopy enabled by coupling the emitter ensemble with a selectable strain to the mode of a Fabry-Perot microcavity. Calculation of the absorption cross-section yields $\sigma_{ens} = $4.9*10^-11 cm^2. Together with the Purcell-enhanced twofold reduction in emitter lifetime below 1ns, this makes the system a promising spin-photon interface at moderate temperatures of 4K., Comment: 12 pages, 9 figures

Quantum emitters, such as the negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond, are attractive for quantum technologies such as nano-sensing, quantum information processing, and as a non-classical light source. However, it is still challenging to position individual emitters in photonic structures whilst preserving the spin coherence properties of the defect. In this paper, we investigate single and ensemble waveguide-integrated nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond fabricated by femtosecond laser writing followed by thermal annealing. Their spin coherence properties are systematically investigated and are shown to be comparable to native nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. This method paves the way for the fabrication of coherent spins integrated within photonic devices., Comment: 9 pages, 5 figures

The negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV$^{-}$) center in diamond has shown great potential in nanoscale sensing and quantum information processing due to its rich spin physics. An efficient coupling with light, providing strong luminescence, is crucial for realizing these applications. Laser-written waveguides in diamond promote NV$^{-}$ creation and improve their coupling to light but, at the same time, induce strain in the crystal. The induced strain contributes to light guiding but also affects the energy levels of NV$^{-}$ centers. We probe NV$^{-}$ spin states experimentally with the commonly used continuous-wave zero-field optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR). In our waveguides, the ODMR spectra are shifted, split, and consistently asymmetric, which we attribute to the impact of local strain. To understand these features, we model ensemble ODMR signals in the presence of strain. By fitting the model results to the experimentally collected ODMR data, we determine the strain tensor components at different positions, thus determining the strain profile across the waveguide. This shows that zero-field ODMR spectroscopy can be used as a strain imaging tool. The resulting strain within the waveguide is dominated by a compressive axial component transverse to the waveguide structure, with a smaller contribution from vertical and shear strain components., Comment: 12 pages, 7 figures + Supplementary Information (6 pages, 3 figures)

The coherent control of a two-level system is among the most essential challenges in modern quantum optics. Understanding its fundamental limitations is crucial, also for the realization of next generation quantum devices. The quantum coherence of a two level system is fragile in particular, when the two levels are connected via an optical transition. When such quantum emitters are located in solids the coherence suffers from the interaction of the optical transition with the solid state environment, which requires the sample to be cooled to temperatures of a few Kelvin or below. Here, we use a mechanically isolated quantum emitter in hexagonal boron nitride to explore the individual mechanisms which affect the coherence of an optical transition under resonant drive. We operate the system at the threshold where the mechanical isolation collapses in order to study the onset and temperature-dependence of dephasing and independently of spectral diffusion. The new insights on the underlying physical decoherence mechanisms reveals a limit in temperature until which coherent driving of the system is possible. This study enables to increase the operation temperature of quantum devices, therefore reducing the need for cryogenic cooling., Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures

The search for long-lived quantum memories, which can be efficiently interfaced with flying qubits is longstanding. One possible solution is to use the electron spin of a color center in diamond to mediate interaction between a long-lived nuclear spin and a photon. Realizing this in a nanodiamond furthermore facilitates the integration into photonic devices and enables the realization of hybrid quantum systems with access to quantum memories. Here, we investigated the spin environment of negatively-charged Silicon-Vacancy centers in a nanodiamond and demonstrate strong coupling of its electron spin, while the electron spin's decoherence rate remained below 1 MHz. We furthermore demonstrate multi-spin coupling with the potential to establish registers of quantum memories in nanodiamonds.

Nanophotonic quantum devices can significantly boost light-matter interaction which is important for applications such as quantum networks. Reaching a high interaction strength between an optical transition of a spin system and a single mode of light is an essential step which demands precise control over all degrees of freedom of the optical coupling. While current devices have reached a high accuracy of emitter positioning, the placement process remains overall statistically, reducing the device fabrication yield. Furthermore, not all degrees of freedom of the optical coupling can be controlled limiting the device performance. Here, we develop a hybrid approach based on negatively-charged silicon-vacancy center in nanodiamonds coupled to a mode of a Si$_3$N$_4$-photonic crystal cavity, where all terms of the coupling strength can be controlled individually. We use the frequency of coherent Rabi-oscillations and line-broadening as a measure of the device performance. This allows for iterative optimization of the position and the rotation of the dipole with respect to individual, preselected modes of light. Therefore, our work marks an important step for optimization of hybrid quantum photonics and enables to align device simulations with real device performance., Comment: 20 pages, 7 figures

Hybrid quantum photonic systems connect classical photonics to the quantum world and promise to deliver efficient light-matter quantum interfaces while leveraging the advantages of both, the classical and the quantum, subsystems. However, combining efficient, scalable photonics and solid state quantum systems with desirable optical and spin properties remains a formidable challenge. In particular the access to individual spin states and coherent mapping to photons remains unsolved for these systems. In this letter, we demonstrate all-optical initialization and readout of the electronic spin of a negatively-charged silicon-vacancy center in a nanodiamond coupled to a silicon nitride photonic crystal cavity. We characterize relevant parameters of the coupled emitter-cavity system and determine the silicon-vacancy center's spin-relaxation and spin-decoherence rate. Our results mark an important step towards the realization of a hybrid spin-photon interface based on silicon nitride photonics and the silicon-vacancy center's electron spin in nanodiamonds with potential use for quantum networks, quantum communication and distributed quantum computation., Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures

Color centers in diamond, among them the negatively-charged germanium vacancy (GeV$^-$), are promising candidates for many applications of quantum optics such as a quantum network. For efficient implementation, the optical transitions need to be coupled to a single optical mode. Here, we demonstrate the transfer of a nanodiamond containing a single ingrown GeV- center with excellent optical properties to an open Fabry-P\'erot microcavity by nanomanipulation utilizing an atomic force microscope. Coupling of the GeV- defect to the cavity mode is achieved, while the optical resonator maintains a high finesse of F = 7,700 and a 48-fold spectral density enhancement is observed. This article demonstrates the integration of a GeV- defect with a Fabry-P\'erot microcavity under ambient conditions with the potential to extend the experiments to cryogenic temperatures towards an efficient spin-photon platform., Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures. The article has been accepted by Applied Physics Letters. After it is published, it will be found at https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0156787

The generation of indistinguishable photons is a key requirement for solid-state quantum emitters as a viable source for applications in quantum technologies. Restricting the dimensions of the solid-state host to a size well below the wavelength of light emitted by a defect-center enables efficient external optical coupling, for example for hybrid integration into photonic devices. However, stringent restrictions on the host dimensions result in severe limitations on the spectral properties reducing the indistinguishability of emitted photons. Here, we demonstrate two-photon interference from two negatively-charged Silicon-Vacancy centers located in remote nanodiamonds. The Hong-Ou-Mandel interference efficiency reaches 61% with a coalescence time window of 0.35 ns. We furthermore show a high yield of pairs of Silicon-Vacancy centers with indistinguishable optical transitions. Therefore, our work opens new paths in hybrid quantum technology based on indistinguishable single-photon emitters in nanodiamonds.

We demonstrate an important step towards on chip integration of single photon sources operating at room temperature fiber coupling of a directional quantum emitter with back-excitation. Directionality is achieved with a hybrid metal-dielectric bullseye antenna, while back-excitation is permitted by placement of the emitter at or in a sub-wavelength hole positioned at the bullseye center. Overall, the unique design enables a direct laser excitation from the back of the on-chip device and very efficient coupling of the highly collimated photon emission to either low numerical aperture (NA) free space optics or directly to an optical fiber from the front. To show the versatility of the concept, we fabricate devices containing either a colloidal quantum dot or a silicon-vacancy center containing nanodiamond, which are accurately coupled to the nano-antenna using two different nano-positioning methods. Both back-excited devices display front collection efficiencies of about 70 % at NAs as low as 0.5. Moreover, the combination of back-excitation with forward low-NA directionality enables direct coupling of the emitted photons into a proximal optical fiber without the need of any coupling optics, thereby facilitating and greatly simplifying future integration.

Quantum key distribution enables secure communication based on the principles of quantum mechanics. The distance in fiber-based quantum communication is limited to about a hundred kilometers due to signal attenuation. Thus, quantum repeaters are required to establish large-scale quantum networks. Ideal quantum repeater nodes possess a quantum memory which is efficiently connected to photons, the carrier of quantum information. Color centers in diamond and, in particular, the negatively-charged silicon-vacancy centers are promising candidates to establish such nodes. The major obstacle is an inefficient connection between the color centers spin to the Gaussian optics of fiber networks. Here, we present an efficient spin-photon interface. Individual silicon-vacancy centers coupled to the mode of a hemispherical Fabry-P\'erot microcavity show Purcell-factors larger than 1 when operated in a bath of liquid Helium. We demonstrate coherent optical driving with a Rabi frequency of $290\,\mathrm{MHz}$ and all-optical access to the electron spin in strong magnetic fields of up to $3.2\,\mathrm{T}$. Spin initialization within $67\,\mathrm{ns}$ with a fidelity of $80\,\%$ and a lifetime of $350\,\mathrm{ns}$ are reached inside the cavity. The spin-photon interface is passively stable, enabled by placing a color center containing nanodiamond in the hemispherical Fabry-P\'erot mirror structure and by choosing short cavity lengths. Therefore, our demonstration opens the way to realize quantum repeater applications., Comment: 6 pages without citations, 8 with citations. 3 figures

Quantum emitters in two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) have generated significant interest due to observations of ultra-bright emission made at room temperature. The expectation that solid-state emitters exhibit broad zero-phonon lines at elevated temperatures has been put in question by recent observations of Fourier transform (FT) limited photons emitted from h-BN flakes at room temperature. The mechanism responsible for the narrow lines has been suggested to be a mechanical decoupling from in-plane phonons due to an out-of-plane distortion of the emitter's orbitals. All decoupled emitters produce photons that are directed in-plane, suggesting that the dipoles are oriented perpendicular to the h-BN plane. Motivated by the promise of an efficient and scalable source of indistinguishable photons that can operate at room temperature, we have developed an approach using density functional theory (DFT) to determine the electron-phonon coupling for defects that have in- and out-of-plane transition dipole moments. Our DFT calculations reveal that the $\text{C}_2 \text{C}_\text{N}$ defect has an in-plane transition dipole moment, and that of the $\text{V}_\text{N} \text{N}_\text{B}$ defect is perpendicular to the plane. We exploit the two-dimensional framework recently implemented in \texttt{QUANTUM ESPRESSO} to determine both the phonon density of states and the electron-phonon matrix elements associated with the h-BN defective structures. We find no indication that an out-of-plane transition dipole is sufficient to obtain FT-limited photons at room temperature. Our work also provides direction to future DFT software developments and adds to the growing list of calculations relevant to researchers in the field of solid-state quantum information processing., Comment: 11 pages, 4 figures

This chapter covers recent developments in the field of hybrid quantum photonics based on color centers in nanodiamonds and Si3N4-photonics towards a technology platform with applications in quantum information processing and quantum information distribution. The methodological approach can be divided in three main tasks. First, the fabrication and optimization of Si3N4-photonics. Second, the creation, characterization and control of color centers in nanodiamonds. Third, the assembly of hybrid quantum photonics by integrating the nanodiamonds into the photonic structures. One focus will be the efficient interfacing of the color centers done by optimizing the optical coupling. The chapter describes recent progress in all three steps and summarizes the established hybrid platform. We believe, that the hybrid approach provides a promising path to realize quantum photonic applications, such as quantum networks or quantum repeaters, in the near future., Comment: 55 pages, 28 figures

Hexagonal boron nitride is an emerging two-dimensional material with far-reaching applications in fields like nanophotonics or nanomechanics. Its layered architecture plays a key role for new materials such as Van der Waals heterostructures. The layered structure has also unique implications for hosted, optically active defect centers. A very special type of defect center arises from the possibility to host mechanically isolated orbitals localized between the layers. The resulting absence of coupling to low-frequency acoustic phonons turns out to be the essential element to protect the coherence of optical transitions from mechanical interactions with the environment. Consequently, the spectral transition linewidth remains unusually narrow even at room temperature, thus paving a new way towards coherent quantum optics under ambient conditions. In this review, I summarize the state-of-the-art of defect centers in hexagonal boron nitride with a focus on optically coherent defect centers. I discuss the current understanding of the defect centers, remaining questions and potential research directions to overcome pervasive challenges. The field is put into a broad perspective with impact on quantum technology such as quantum optics, quantum photonics as well as spin optomechanics., Comment: 19 pages, 8 figures

Modifying light fields at single-photon level is a key challenge for upcoming quantum technologies and can be realized in a scalable manner through integrated quantum photonics. Laser-written diamond photonics offers three-dimensional fabrication capabilities and large mode-field diameters matched to fiber optic technology, though limiting the cooperativity at the single-emitter level. To realize large cooperativities, we combine excitation of single shallow-implanted silicon vacancy centers via large numerical aperture optics with detection assisted by laser-written type-II waveguides. We demonstrate single-emitter extinction measurements with a cooperativity of 0.153 and a beta factor of 13% yielding 15.3% as lower bound for the quantum efficiency of a single emitter. The transmission of resonant photons reveals single-photon subtraction from a quasi-coherent field resulting in super-Poissonian light statistics. Our architecture enables single quantum level light field engineering in an integrated design which can be fabricated in three dimensions and with a natural connectivity to optical fiber arrays., Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures

Coherent quantum systems are a key resource for emerging quantum technology. Solid-state spin systems are of particular importance for compact and scalable devices. However, interaction with the solid-state host degrades the coherence properties. The negatively-charged silicon vacancy center in diamond is such an example. While spectral properties are outstanding, with optical coherence protected by the defects symmetry, the spin coherence is susceptible to rapid orbital relaxation limiting the spin dephasing time. A prolongation of the orbital relaxation time is therefore of utmost urgency and has been tackled by operating at very low temperatures or by introducing large strain. However, both methods have significant drawbacks, the former requires use of dilution refrigerators and the latter affects intrinsic symmetries. Here, a novel method is presented to prolong the orbital relaxation with a locally modified phonon density of states in the relevant frequency range, by restricting the diamond host to below 100 nm. The method works at liquid Helium temperatures of few Kelvin and in the low-strain regime.

Quantum random number generation is a key ingredient for quantum cryptography and fundamental quantum optics and could advance Monte-Carlo simulations and machine learning. An established generation scheme is based on single photons impinging on a beam splitter. Here, we experimentally demonstrate quantum random number generation solely based on the spontaneous emission process in combination with the symmetric emission profile of a dipole aligned orthogonal to the laboratory frame. The demonstration builds on defect centers in hexagonal boron nitride and benefits from the ability to manipulate and align the emission directionality. We prove the randomness in the correlated photon detection events making use of the NIST randomness test suite and show that the randomness remains for two independently emitting defect centers. The scheme can be extended to random number generation by coherent single photons with potential applications in solid-state based quantum communication at room temperature., Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures

Coherent exchange of single photons is at the heart of applied Quantum Optics. The negatively-charged silicon vacancy center in diamond is among most promising sources for coherent single photons. Its large Debye-Waller factor, short lifetime and extraordinary spectral stability is unique in the field of solid-state single photon sources. However, the excitation and detection of individual centers requires high numerical aperture optics which, combined with the need for cryogenic temperatures, puts technical overhead on experimental realizations. Here, we investigate a hybrid quantum photonics platform based on silicon-vacancy center in nanodiamonds and metallic bullseye antenna to realize a coherent single-photon interface that operates efficiently down to low numerical aperture optics with an inherent resistance to misalignment.

Spin-based quantum photonics promise to realize distributed quantum computing and quantum networks. The performance depends on efficient entanglement distribution, where the efficiency can be boosted by means of cavity quantum electrodynamics. The central challenge is the development of compact devices with large spin-photon coupling rates and high operation bandwidth. Photonic crystal cavities comprise strong field confinement but put high demands on accurate positioning of an atomic system in the mode field maximum. Color center in diamond, and in particular the negatively-charged Silicon-Vacancy center, emerged as a promising atom-like systems. Large spectral stability and access to long-lived, nuclear spin memories enabled elementary demonstrations of quantum network nodes including memory-enhanced quantum communication. In a hybrid approach, we deterministically place SiV$^-$-containing nanodiamonds inside one hole of a one-dimensional, free-standing, Si$_3$N$_4$-based photonic crystal cavity and coherently couple individual optical transitions to the cavity mode. We optimize the light-matter coupling by utilizing two-mode composition, waveguiding, Purcell-enhancement and cavity resonance tuning. The resulting photon flux is increased by more than a factor of 14 as compared to free-space. The corresponding lifetime shortening to below 460 ps puts the potential operation bandwidth beyond GHz rates. Our results mark an important step to realize quantum network nodes based on hybrid quantum photonics with SiV$^-$- center in nanodiamonds.

The negatively-charged NV$^-$-center in diamond has shown great success in nanoscale, high-sensitivity magnetometry. Efficient fluorescence detection is crucial for improving the sensitivity. Furthermore, integrated devices enable practicable sensors. Here, we present a novel architecture which allows us to create NV$^-$-centers a few nanometers below the diamond surface, and at the same time in the mode field maximum of femtosecond-laser-written type-II waveguides. We experimentally verify the coupling efficiency, showcase the detection of magnetic resonance signals through the waveguides and perform first proof-of-principle experiments in magnetic field and temperature sensing. The sensing task can be operated via the waveguide without direct light illumination through the sample, which marks an important step for magnetometry in biological systems which are fragile to light. In the future, our approach will enable the development of two-dimensional sensing arrays facilitating spatially and temporally correlated magnetometry., Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures

Realization of quantum photonic devices requires coupling single quantum emitters to the mode of optical resonators. In this work we present a hybrid system consisting of defect centers in few-layer hBN grown by chemical vapor deposition and a fiber-based Fabry-Perot cavity. The sub 10 nm thickness of hBN and its smooth surface enables efficient integration into the cavity mode. We operate our hybrid platform over a broad spectral range larger than 30 nm and use its tuneability to explore different coupling regimes. Consequently, we achieve very large cavity-assisted signal enhancement up to 50-fold and equally strong linewidth narrowing owing to cavity funneling, both records for hBN-cavity systems. Additionally, we implement an excitation and readout scheme for resonant excitation that allows us to establish cavity-assisted PLE spectroscopy. Our work marks an important milestone for the deployment of 2D materials coupled to fiber-based cavities in practical quantum technologies., Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures

Quantum emitters in hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) were recently reported to hol a homogeneous linewidth according to the Fourier-Transform limit up to room temperature. This unusual observation was traced back to decoupling from in-plane phonon modes which can arise if the emitter is located between two planes of the hBN host material. In this work, we investigate the origins for the mechanical decoupling. Improved sample preparation enabled a reduced background and a 70-fold decrease of spectral diffusion which was so far the major drawback of defect center in hBN and allowed us to reveal a gap in the electron-phonon spectral density for low phonon frequencies. This decoupling from phonons persists at room temperature and explains the observed Fourier Transform limited lines up to 300K. Furthermore, we investigate the dipole emission directionality and show a preferred photon emission through the side of the hBN flakes supporting the claim for an out-of-plane distortion of the defect center. Our work lays the foundation to a deeper understanding of the underlying physics for the persistence of Fourier-Transform limit lines up to room temperature. It furthermore provides a description on how to identify the mechanically isolated emitter within the large number of defect centers in hBN. Therefore, it paves the way for quantum optics applications with defect centers in hBN at room temperature., Comment: 9 pages, 5 figures

Hybrid quantum photonics combines classical photonics with quantum emitters in a postprocessing step. It facilitates to link ideal quantum light sources to optimized photonic platforms. Optical cavities enable to harness the Purcell-effect boosting the device efficiency. Here, we postprocess a free-standing, crossed-waveguide photonic crystal cavity based on Si$_3$N$_4$ with SiV$^-$ center in nanodiamonds. We develop a routine that holds the capability to optimize all degrees of freedom of the evanescent coupling term utilizing AFM nanomanipulation. After a few optimization cycles we resolve the fine-structure of individual SiV$^-$ centers and achieve a Purcell enhancement of more than 4 on individual optical transitions, meaning that four out of five spontaneously emitted photons are channeled into the photonic device. Our work opens up new avenues to construct efficient quantum photonic devices., Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures. Nanophotonics (2020)

Optical coupling enables intermediate- and long-range interactions between distant quantum emitters. Such interaction may be the basic element in bottom-up approaches of coupled spin systems or for integrated quantum photonics and quantum plasmonics. Here, we prepare nanodiamonds carrying single, negatively-charged silicon-vacancy centers for evanescent optical coupling with access to all degrees of freedom by means of atomic force nanomanipulation. The color centers feature excellent optical properties, comparable to silicon-vacancy centers in bulk diamond, resulting in a resolvable fine structure splitting, a linewidth close to the Fourier-Transform limit under resonant excitation and a good polarization contrast. We determine the orbital relaxation time $T_{1}$ of the orbitally split ground states and show that all optical properties are conserved during translational nanomanipulation. Furthermore, we demonstrate the rotation of the nanodiamonds. In contrast to the translational operation, the rotation leads to a change in polarization contrast. We utilize the change in polarization contrast before and after nanomanipulation to determine the rotation angle. Finally, we evaluate the likelihood for indistinguishable, single photon emission of silicon-vacancy centers located in different nanodiamonds. Our work enables ideal evanescent, optical coupling of distant nanodiamonds containing silicon-vacancy centers with applications in the realization of quantum networks, quantum repeaters or complex quantum systems., Comment: 15 pages, 4 figures

Striving for nanometer-sized solid-state single-photon sources, we investigate atom-like quantum emitters based on single germanium vacancy (GeV) centers isolated in crystalline nanodiamonds (NDs). Cryogenic characterization indicated symmetry-protected and bright (> 10^6 counts/s with off-resonance excitation) zero-phonon optical transitions with up to 6-fold enhancement in energy splitting of their ground states as compared to that found for GeV centers in bulk diamonds (i.e., up to 870 GHz in highly strained NDs vs 150 GHz in bulk). Utilizing lithographic alignment techniques, we demonstrate an integrated nanophotonic platform for deterministic interfacing plasmonic waveguides with isolated GeV centers in NDs that enables 10-fold enhancement of single-photon decay rates along with the emission direction control by judiciously designing and positioning a Bragg reflector. This approach allows one to realize the unidirectional emission from single-photon dipolar sources introducing a novel method that is alternative to the propagation-direction-dependent techniques based on chiral interactions or topological protection. The developed plasmon-based nanophotonic platform opens thereby new perspectives for quantum nanophotonics in general and for realizing entanglement between single photons and spin qubits, in particular.

We realize a potential platform for an efficient spin-photon interface, namely negatively-charged silicon-vacancy centers in a diamond membrane coupled to the mode of a fully-tunable, fiber-based, optical resonator. We demonstrate that introducing the thin ($\sim 200 \, \text{nm}$), single crystal diamond membrane into the mode of the resonator does not change the cavity properties, which is one of the crucial points for an efficient spin-photon interface. In particular, we observe constantly high Finesse values of up to $3000$ and a linear dispersion in the presence of the membrane. We observe cavity-coupled fluorescence froman ensemble of SiV$^{-}$ centers with an enhancement factor of $\sim 1.9$. Furthermore from our investigations we extract the ensemble absorption and extrapolate an absorption cross section of $(2.9 \, \pm \, 2) \, \cdot \, 10^{-12} \, \text{cm}^{2}$ for a single SiV$^{-}$ center, much higher than previously reported., Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures

We report on the isolation of single SiV$^-$ centers in nanodiamonds. We observe the fine-structure of single SiV$^-$ center with improved inhomogeneous ensemble linewidth below the excited state splitting, stable optical transitions, good polarization contrast and excellent spectral stability under resonant excitation. Based on our experimental results we elaborate an analytical strain model where we extract the ratio between strain coefficients of excited and ground states as well the intrinsic zero-strain spin-orbit splittings. The observed strain values are as low as best values in low-strain bulk diamond. We achieve our results by means of H-plasma treatment of the diamond surface and in combination with resonant and off-resonant excitation. Our work paves the way for indistinguishable, single photon emission. Furthermore, we demonstrate controlled nano-manipulation via atomic force microscope cantilever of 1D- and 2D-alignments with a so-far unreached accuracy of about 10nm, as well as new tools including dipole rotation and cluster decomposition. Combined, our results show the potential to utilize SiV$^-$ centers in nanodiamonds for the controlled interfacing via optical coupling of individually well-isolated atoms for bottom-up assemblies of complex quantum systems.

Quantum emitters in layered hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) have recently attracted a great attention as promising single photon sources. In this work, we demonstrate resonant excitation of a single defect center in hBN, one of the most important prerequisites for employment of optical sources in quantum information application. We observe spectral linewidths of hBN emitter narrower than 1 GHz while the emitter experiences spectral diffusion. Temporal photoluminescence measurements reveals an average spectral diffusion time of around 100 ms. On-resonance photon antibunching measurement is also realized. Our results shed light on the potential use of quantum emitters from hBN in nanophotonics and quantum information.

Color centers in diamond are important quantum emitters for a broad range of applications ranging from quantum sensing to quantum optics. Understanding the internal energy level structure is of fundamental importance for future applications. We experimentally investigate the level structure of an ensemble of few negatively charged silicon-vacancy (SiV$^{-}$) and germanium-vacancy (GeV$^{-}$) centers in bulk diamond at room temperature by photoluminescence (PL) and excitation (PLE) spectroscopy over a broad wavelength range from 460 nm to 650 nm and perform power-dependent saturation measurements. For SiV$^{-}$ our experimental results confirm the presence of a higher energy transition at ~ 2.31 eV. By comparison with detailed theoretical simulations of the imaginary dielectric function we interpret the transition as a dipole-allowed transition from $^{2}E_{g}$-state to $^{2}A_{2u}$-state where the corresponding $a_{2u}$-level lies deeply inside the diamond valence band. Therefore, the transition is broadened by the diamond band. At higher excitation power of 10 mW we indicate signs of a parity-conserving transition at ~2.03 eV supported by saturation measurements. For GeV$^{-}$ we demonstrate that the PLE spectrum is in good agreement with the mirror image of the PL spectrum of the zero-phonon line (ZPL). Experimentally we do not observe a higher lying energy level up to a transition wavelength of 460 nm. The observed PL spectra are identical, independent of excitation wavelength, suggesting a rapid decay to $^{2}E_{u}$ excited state and followed by optical transition to $^{2}E_{g}$ ground state. Our investigations convey important insights for future quantum optics and quantum sensing experiments based on SiV$^{-}$ center and GeV$^{-}$ center in diamond., Comment: 19 pages, 4 figures

Nanodiamonds (NDs) hosting optically active defects are an important technical material for applications in quantum sensing, biological imaging, and quantum optics. The negatively charged silicon vacancy (SiV) defect is known to fluoresce in molecular sized NDs (1 to 6 nm) and its spectral properties depend on the quality of the surrounding host lattice. This defect is therefore a good probe to investigate the material properties of small NDs. Here we report unprecedented narrow optical transitions for SiV colour centers hosted in nanodiamonds produced using a novel high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) technique. The SiV zero-phonon lines were measured to have an inhomogeneous distribution of 1.05 nm at 5 K across a sample of numerous NDs. Individual spectral lines as narrow as 354 MHz were measured for SiV centres in nanodiamonds smaller than 200 nm, which is four times narrower than the best SiV line previously reported for nanodiamonds. Correcting for apparent spectral diffusion yielded a homogeneous linewith of about 200 MHz, which is close to the width limit imposed by the radiative lifetime. These results demonstrate that the direct HPHT synthesis technique is capable of producing nanodiamonds with high crystal lattice quality, which are therefore a valuable technical material.

We demonstrate quantum interference between indistinguishable photons emitted by two nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in distinct diamond samples separated by two meters. Macroscopic solid immersion lenses are used to enhance photon collection efficiency. Quantum interference is verified by measuring a value of the second-order cross-correlation function $g^{(2)}(0) = 0.35 \pm 0.04<0.5$. In addition, optical transition frequencies of two separated NV centers are tuned into resonance with each other by applying external electric fields. Extension of the present approach to generate entanglement of remote solid-state qubits is discussed., Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures

Diamond is a unique material with exceptional physical and chemical properties that offers potential for the realization of high-performance devices with novel functionalities. For example diamond's high refractive index, transparency over wide wavelength range, and large Raman gain are of interest for the implementation of novel photonic devices. Recently, atom-like impurities in diamond emerged as an exceptional system for quantum information processing, quantum sensing and quantum networks. For these and other applications, it is essential to develop an integrated nanophotonic platform based on diamond. Here, we report on the realization of such an integrated diamond photonic platform, diamond on insulator (DOI), consisting of a thin single crystal diamond film on top of an insulating silicon dioxide/silicon substrate. Using this approach, we demonstrate diamond ring resonators that operate in a wide wavelength range, including the visible (630nm) and near-infrared (1,550nm). Finally, we demonstrate an integrated, on-chip quantum nanophotonic network, consisting of ring resonators coupled to low loss waveguides with grating couplers, that enables the generation and efficient routing of single photons at room temperature., Comment: This paper has been withdrawn to change the outline of the paper

The quantum dynamics of a strongly driven, strongly coupled single-atom-cavity system is studied by evaluating time-dependent second- and third-order correlations of the emitted photons. The coherent energy exchange, first, between the atom and the cavity mode, and second, between the atom-cavity system and the driving laser, is observed. Three-photon detections show an asymmetry in time, a consequence of the breakdown of detailed balance. The results are in good agreement with theory and are a first step towards the control of a quantum trajectory at larger driving strength., Comment: 4 pages + 3 pages supplementary information

Single quantum emitters like atoms are well-known as non-classical light sources which can produce photons one by one at given times, with reduced intensity noise. However, the light field emitted by a single atom can exhibit much richer dynamics. A prominent example is the predicted ability for a single atom to produce quadrature-squeezed light, with sub-shot-noise amplitude or phase fluctuations. It has long been foreseen, though, that such squeezing would be "at least an order of magnitude more difficult" to observe than the emission of single photons. Squeezed beams have been generated using macroscopic and mesoscopic media down to a few tens of atoms, but despite experimental efforts, single-atom squeezing has so far escaped observation. Here we generate squeezed light with a single atom in a high-finesse optical resonator. The strong coupling of the atom to the cavity field induces a genuine quantum mechanical nonlinearity, several orders of magnitude larger than for usual macroscopic media. This produces observable quadrature squeezing with an excitation beam containing on average only two photons per system lifetime. In sharp contrast to the emission of single photons, the squeezed light stems from the quantum coherence of photon pairs emitted from the system. The ability of a single atom to induce strong coherent interactions between propagating photons opens up new perspectives for photonic quantum logic with single emitters, Comment: Main paper (4 pages, 3 figures) + Supplementary information (5 pages, 2 figures). Revised version

We demonstrate feedback cooling of the motion of a single rubidium atom trapped in a high-finesse optical resonator to a temperature of about 160 \mu K. Time-dependent transmission and intensity-correlation measurements prove the reduction of the atomic position uncertainty. The feedback increases the 1/e storage time into the one second regime, 30 times longer than without feedback. Feedback cooling therefore rivals state-of-the-art laser cooling, but with the advantages that it requires less optical access and exhibits less optical pumping., Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures