Laser activation of single group-IV colour centres in diamond

Xingrui Cheng, Andreas Thurn, Guangzhao Chen, Gareth S. Jones, James E. Bennett, Maddison Coke, Mason Adshead, Cathryn P. Michaels, Osman Balci, Andrea C. Ferrari, Mete Atatüre, Richard J. Curry, Jason M. Smith (), Patrick S. Salter () and Dorian A. Gangloff ()
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Xingrui Cheng: University of Oxford
Andreas Thurn: University of Oxford
Guangzhao Chen: University of Oxford
Gareth S. Jones: University of Oxford
James E. Bennett: University of Oxford
Maddison Coke: University of Manchester
Mason Adshead: University of Manchester
Cathryn P. Michaels: University of Cambridge
Osman Balci: University of Cambridge
Andrea C. Ferrari: University of Cambridge
Mete Atatüre: University of Cambridge
Richard J. Curry: University of Manchester
Jason M. Smith: University of Oxford
Patrick S. Salter: University of Oxford
Dorian A. Gangloff: University of Oxford

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Spin-photon interfaces based on group-IV colour centres in diamond offer a promising platform for quantum networks. A key challenge in the field is realising precise single-defect positioning and activation, which is crucial for scalable device fabrication. Here we address this problem by demonstrating a two-step fabrication method for tin vacancy (SnV−) centres that uses site-controlled ion implantation followed by local femtosecond laser annealing with in-situ spectral monitoring. The ion implantation is performed with sub-50 nm resolution and a dosage that is controlled from hundreds of ions down to single ions per site, limited by Poissonian statistics. Using this approach, we successfully demonstrate site-selective creation and modification of single SnV− centres. Our in-situ spectral monitoring opens a window onto materials tuning at the single defect level, and provides new insight into defect structures and dynamics during the annealing process. While demonstrated for SnV− centres, this versatile approach can be readily generalised to other implanted colour centres in diamond and wide-bandgap materials.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60373-5

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