Photoelectric Detection and Quantum Readout of Nitrogen-Vacancy Center Spin States in Diamond

A novel method for reading out the electron spin state of the negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) point defect in diamond, based on photoelectric detection of NV magnetic resonances (PDMR), is reviewed. As a convenient way to measure the spin state of qubits, the presented technique is anticipated to lead to a vast range of applications in the field of quantum technologies. It has been demonstrated that this method can be used both in continuous-wave mode and for the pulse readout of coherently manipulated NV- spins. The PDMR technique presents interesting advantages over the commonly used optical detection of magnetic resonances (ODMR) and was recently downscaled to the reading out of a single NV- spin qubit. The principles, current developments, advantages, and drawbacks of PDMR are presented in this progress report. A complete to-date methodology of NV photoelectric readout is described and PDMR is compared to ODMR. Future developments and possible improvements of the technique are mentioned. The results of the latest studies, aiming at overcoming limitations in the PDMR contrast through a better understanding of NV photo-physics and of charge exchanges between NV centers and other electrically active defects, are discussed.