Single photon emission from diamond nanocrystals in an opal photonic crystal

Opt Express. 2009 Sep 28;17(20):18044-53. doi: 10.1364/OE.17.018044.

Abstract

We present the first optical measurement of a single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in a three-dimensional photonic crystal. The photonic crystal, fabricated by self-assembly of polystyrene microspheres, exhibits a photonic stopband that overlaps the NV photoluminescence spectrum. A modified emission spectrum and photon antibunching were measured from the NV centers. Time-resolved fluorescence measurements revealed a 30% increase in the source lifetime. Encapsulation of single NV centers in a three-dimensional photonic crystal is a step towards controlling emission properties of a single photon source.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Crystallization / methods
  • Diamond / chemistry*
  • Diamond / radiation effects
  • Light
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanoparticles / radiation effects
  • Photons
  • Polystyrenes / chemistry*
  • Polystyrenes / radiation effects
  • Scattering, Radiation

Substances

  • Polystyrenes
  • Diamond