“Optical and Spin Spectroscopy of Sub-Diffraction NV Clusters in Diamond”

Nitrogen–vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are powerful quantum sensors, yet their behavior in closely spaced clusters remains largely unexplored. In this talk I will present optical and spin spectroscopy studies of sub-diffraction NV clusters, where individual defects can be spectrally resolved and their charge states manipulated optically. By analyzing correlated "spectral diffusion" dynamics across multiple emitters, we show that it is possible to reconstruct a three-dimensional map of interacting NV centers and nearby charge traps, providing insight into the microscopic disorder landscape governing defect stability. I will also discuss the use of controlled NV charge-state manipulation as a platform for nanoscale charge storage and high-density information encoding in diamond. Finally, I will highlight recent results on photo-induced charge transport, including new experiments demonstrating parallel detection of hole capture by individual NV centers, offering a direct view of carrier diffusion and trapping dynamics at the nanoscale.

*This event is part of the Debye Lecture Series, sponsored by ACS Cornell Local Section.