Dynamic Jahn-Teller Effect in the ${\mathrm{NV}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ Center in Diamond

Dynamic Jahn-Teller Effect in the ${NV}^{-}$ Center in Diamond

Tesfaye A. Abtew, Y. Y. Sun, Bi-Ching Shih, Pratibha Dev, S. B. Zhang, and Peihong Zhang

Phys. Rev. Lett. 107, 146403 – Published 30 September 2011

Abstract

The negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy ( ${NV}^{-}$ ) center in diamond is considered to be one of the most promising solid state systems for quantum information applications. Excited states of the ${NV}^{-}$ center play a center role in the proposed applications. Using a combination of first-principles calculations and vibronic interaction model analysis, we establish the presence of a dynamic Jahn-Teller effect in the ${}^{3}E$ excited state. The calculated temperature-dependent dephasing rate for the zero phonon line as well as the splitting of the first two vibronic states are in good agreement with experiment.

Received 26 May 2011

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.146403

Authors & Affiliations

Tesfaye A. Abtew¹, Y. Y. Sun², Bi-Ching Shih¹, Pratibha Dev¹, S. B. Zhang², and Peihong Zhang¹

¹Department of Physics, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14260, USA
²Department of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, USA