Color centers in diamond are quantum systems with a great applicability in many interdisciplinary fields. One important example is the Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) center, whose properties have allowed the demonstration of its capabilities as a reliable single-photon emitter and quantum sensor.
In our labs, we study the properties of color centers at room temperature and in cryogenic conditions, contributing to the quest for the ideal single-photon source (SPS) of practical interest in the emerging quantum technologies.
We are actively involved in the efforts for the standardization of these quantum objects and we exploit the nonclassical properties of SPSs to perform quantum enhanced measurements.
In recent years, our research scope has expanded to include optically detected magnetometry and thermometry exploiting the spin resonance phenomena of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers in diamond. This line of research includes, on the one hand, the study of advanced techniques based on pulsed excitation protocols, on the other, the application to biological systems aimed at the possibility of detecting the magnetic field of biological origin and the temperature variations linked to physiological processes within the cell.