Relaxation Processes in Dipole-Coupled Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers in Zero Field: Application in Magnetometry
Clément Pellet-Mary, M. Perdriat, Paul Huillery, G. Hétet
Abstract
We study relaxation processes in dipolar-coupled negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy ($\mathrm{N}$-${V}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) centers close to zero field. Specifically, we uncover regimes where flip-flop and double-flip processes, as well as mixing induced by local electric fields, play a significant role in $\mathrm{N}$-$V$--$\mathrm{N}$-$V$ cross relaxation. Our results are relevant for understanding decoherence in many-body spin systems, as well as for high-sensitivity magneto- and electrometry with long-lived interacting solid-state spins. As a proof of principle, we present an orientation and microwave-free magnetometer based on cross relaxation.
Topics & Concepts
MagnetometerSpinsCondensed matter physicsRelaxation (psychology)DipolePhysicsQuantum decoherenceVacancy defectMagnetic fieldSpin (aerodynamics)Orientation (vector space)Materials scienceQuantum mechanicsThermodynamicsSocial psychologyMathematicsGeometryPsychologyQuantumDiamond and Carbon-based Materials ResearchAtomic and Subatomic Physics ResearchHigh-pressure geophysics and materials