title: Optimum photoluminescence excitation and recharging cycle of single nitrogen-vacancy centers in ultrapure diamond.
abstract: Important features in the spectral and temporal photoluminescence excitation of single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are reported at conditions relevant for quantum applications. Bidirectional switching occurs between the neutral (NV(0)) and negatively charged (NV(-)) states. Luminescence of NV(-) is most efficiently triggered at a wavelength of 575 nm which ensures optimum excitation and recharging of NV(0). The dark state of NV(-) is identified as NV(0). A narrow resonance is observed in the excitation spectra at 521 nm, which mediates efficient conversion to NV(0).
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics and Center for Applied Photonics, University of Konstanz, D-78457 Konstanz, Germany.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Beha
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Batalov
authors.forename: N B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Manson
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bratschitsch
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leitenstorfer