2. Research
  3. Quantum Technology
  4. Diamond Nanophotonics
  5. Diamond Nanofabrication

Diamond Nanofabrication

Compared to other semiconductor technologies, nanostructuring of diamond has so far been scarcely researched worldwide. In order to use diamond-based technologies in an application-relevant way, comprehensive know-how in process technology must be established and combined with expertise in quantum optics with solid-state nanosystems.

The Joint Lab Diamond Nanophotonics relies on existing work with defect centers in diamond and the unique manufacturing processes at Ferdinand-Braun-Institut. As a result, an unprecedented level of structuring quality, reproducibility and scalability shall be achieved. In particular, diamond nanostructures and photonic circuits will be interconnected using new methods. Such a platform can then be used as a toolbox for the photonic integration of established and new defect centers in diamond.

This advanced platform will enable various applications: extremely bright quantum light sources integrated into a compact package for commercial applications, as well as highly efficient spin-photon interfaces used to demonstrate entanglement operations.

Scanning electron micrograph of a diamond microstructure

Scanning electron micrograph of a diamond microstructure. The diamond-air interface has the shape of a parabolide (3D). The spin defect center (at the focal point of the parabolide) is coupled to single photons (red wave-like arrows) via optical transitions (red dashed lines). Photons are emitted into the far field, so that almost 50% of the emitted light is directed into the converging lens.

Scanning electron micrograph of a photonic diamond crystal nanocavity.

Scanning electron micrograph of a photonic diamond crystal nanocavity with integrated spin defect center. Spin levels (green arrows: "spin-up" & "spin-down") are connected to optical transitions (red dashed lines). They can be used as quantum memories and coupled to single photons (wavy arrow) to create spin-photon entanglements (dashed loop).

Publication

Noel H. Wan, Brendan J. Shields, Donggyu Kim, Sara Mouradian, Benjamin Lienhard, Michael Walsh, Hassaram Bakhru, Tim Schröder, Dirk Englund, “Efficient Extraction of Light from a Nitrogen-Vacancy Center in a Diamond Parabolic Reflector” Nano Lett. 18 (5) 2787-2793, (2018)