Optically detected magnetic resonance with negatively-charged nitrogen vacancy centres in diamond

This thesis investigates the properties of negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV^–) centres in diamond where we developed experimental capability to explore the optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) physics of NV^– centres. In addition, the energy separations between the m_s = |0〉 and m_s = |–1〉  sublevels of the NV^– centre ground state are calculated to aid an understanding of the underlying interactions between the NV^– centre and magnetic fields. Measurements were performed pertaining to the characterisation of a diamond sample, utilising multiple experimental methods such as spectroscopy and optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) with magnetic fields and microwaves (MWs). This enables a reliable determination of the various crystal faces (and hence the Miller indices) of the diamond sample which is compared with theoretical models. A custom-built MW cavity is characterised for a range of magnetic fields and MWs. This cavity enables an exploration of how the spin properties of the NV^– centre vary through the use of different techniques for delivering MWs to the diamond sample. These experimental capabilities allow for a greater understanding of the physics of the NV^– centre. As a result, the physical properties of our diamond sample provides a platform for further investigating its use in applications such as masers.