Research
Research in the Stevenson group exploits the unique properties of point-defects in solids to create ultrasensitive sensors and new quantum technologies. By optically controlling and detecting single-spins, we can combine the strengths of fluorescence microscopy and magnetic resonance to explore previously-hidden dynamics and magnetic behaviors.
The nitrogen vacancy center
Our primary tool is the nitrogen vacancy (NV) center in diamond. This system has some remarkable properties, including long room temperature spin coherence and spin-dependent fluorescence, enabling us to optically read out the spin state of the NV center and how it interacts with magnetic fields and other spin states.
One of the strengths of the NV center is its versatility. We use the unique sensitivity, spatial resolution, and dynamic range of this color center for a range of applications - find out more with the links on the right.
For an overview of similar systems and their applications, take a look at this review.
