The physics and attractive applications of an NV center in diamonds

Abstract

In this review, the physics and attractive applications of an NV center in diamonds are presented. The single electron spin in a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in a diamond has excellent properties such as single spin manipulation and a readout at room temperature. Thus the NV center has the potential to help achieve quantum sensing and quantum information devices. With quantum sensing, high-sensitivity nano-scale sensors of magnetic fields, electric fields, temperature and pressure are expected. With quantum information, devices for a quantum register, a single photon source, and a quantum repeater are expected.