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A coherence-protection scheme for quantum sensors based on ultra-shallow single nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond

Author

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  • Anton Pershin

    (HUN-REN Wigner Research Centre for Physics
    Budapest University of Technology and Economics)

  • András Tárkányi

    (Eötvös Loránd University
    MTA-ELTE Lendület “Momentum” NewQubit Research Group Pázmány Péter)

  • Vladimir Verkhovlyuk

    (HUN-REN Wigner Research Centre for Physics)

  • Viktor Ivády

    (Eötvös Loránd University
    MTA-ELTE Lendület “Momentum” NewQubit Research Group Pázmány Péter)

  • Adam Gali

    (HUN-REN Wigner Research Centre for Physics
    Budapest University of Technology and Economics
    MTA-WFK Lendület “Momentum” Semiconductor Nanostructures Research Group)

Abstract

High spatial resolution quantum sensing of near-surface nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond has enabled detection of magnetic, electrical, and thermal signals at the nanoscale. At depths of just a few nanometers, NV centers serve as localized quantum probes for external spins or low-dimensional materials, but their proximity to the surface also enhances decoherence caused by fluctuating nuclear spins. While advances in surface engineering have stabilized the charge state of NV centers at depths of tens of nanometers, achieving both ultra-shallow implantation (0.5-2 nm) and long-term spin coherence remains a central challenge. In this work, we show using first-principles modeling that, by exploiting the interaction of surface-induced strain and weak dc magnetic fields, the spin coherence times of 1-nm-deep NV centers can be greatly improved near the spin-phonon-confined regime at room temperature in 12C-rich diamonds. We also demonstrate that this protocol benefits ~ 10-nm-deep NV centers in natural diamond, enabling vector magnetometry at the nanoscale.

Suggested Citation

  • Anton Pershin & András Tárkányi & Vladimir Verkhovlyuk & Viktor Ivády & Adam Gali, 2025. "A coherence-protection scheme for quantum sensors based on ultra-shallow single nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-64771-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64771-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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