Creation of diamond membranes containing nitrogen-vacancy centers by means of ion irradiation

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the creation of mono crystalline diamond membranes for use in two-dimensional optical cavities. The creation method involves ion irradiation to create a buried layer of damaged material that is removed to leave a free-standing mono crystalline top layer. Simulations were used to determine the optimal parameters for irradiation, which were tested in experiments. Hydrogen ions were found to be the optimal ion species for irradiation, and long-term high-temperature annealing was beneficial in reducing ion-induced damage in the membrane. The resulting membranes, which were 300 nm thick, contained a high density of negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy centers. Their optical and spin properties were analyzed. The findings of this study can be applied to the creation of diamond membranes hosting other color centers, with thicknesses matched to their respective fluorescence.