Diamond surfaces with lateral gradients for systematic optimization of surface chemistry for relaxometry -- A low pressure plasma-based approach

• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2404.11961
• Publication Date: 2024-04-18
• Authors: Yuchen Tian; Ari R. Ortiz Moreno; Mayeul Chipaux; Kaiqi Wu; Felipe Perona Mar...; Hoda Shirzad; Thamir Hamoh; Aldona Mzyk; Patrick van Rijn; Romana Schirhagl
• Keywords: Plasma Chemistry; Surface Modification

Diamond is increasingly popular because of its unique material properties. defects called nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers allow measurements with unprecedented sensitivity. However, to achieve ideal sensing performance NV need be within nanometers from the surface and are thus strongly dependent on local chemistry. Several attempts have been made compare diamond surfaces. due high price crystals shallow centers, a limited number chemical modifications studied. Here, we developed systematic method investigate continuity different environments varying density nature groups in single experiment plate. To this goal, used diamonds ensemble introduced gradient across surface. More specifically air hydrogen plasma. The gradients were formed by low pressure plasma treatment after masking right-angled triangular prism shield. As result, contained gradually more oxygen/hydrogen towards open end We then performed widefield relaxometry determine effect chemistry performance. expected, relaxation times indeed varies along gradient.