Research Projects

Quantum technologies are exploring optically-active electron spins in wide band gap materials for various room temperature applications. Near-surface nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are crucial for nanoscale sensing technology, but they face charge and spin instabilities and inefficient spin readout. This project aims to examine optimal surface functionalization strategies of nanodiamonds containing NV centers and implement nuclear-spin-assisted protocols for constructing an ultrasensitive magnetometer. A systematic theoretical study of electron-nuclear dynamics under chirped microwave pulses will be conducted to optimize readout protocols. The second objective is to fabricate and control newly discovered defect spins in van der Waals (vdW) material, boron vacancies in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). Two-dimensional (2D) materials, including hBN, hold immense promise in optoelectronic and nanophotonic applications. Spins in vdW materials can potentially be employed for sub-nanometer scale temperature, pressure, magnetic field, and strain sensing applications. The project will use a Seed grant from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Tamil Nadu (IITM) to build a state-of-the-art multi-color, scanning confocal fluorescence microscope. The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) Start-up Research Grant (SRG) will be used to upgrade the optical setup, generate spin defects in hBN, and characterize samples for quantum sensing. The proposed workplan is expected to achieve wide-ranging scientific breakthroughs.