Manipulating Spins in Diamond with Magnetoelastic Films

Nitrogen Vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are extraordinarily sensitive magnetometers, capable of resolving picotesla fields. However, the large microwave fields required to control and manipulate the NV center can perturb the sensing target and are an obstacle to real-world deployment, motivating the development of new, efficient, control schemes. Using strain-generated magnetic fields in magnetoelastic (ME) films is a promising approach to addressing these challenges; highly localized magnetic fields can be efficiently generated, reducing power requirements and minimizing sample perturbation. However, the device requirements of NV center sensors are distinct from conventional applications of ME films, requiring new approaches to design and utilization.<br/><br/>In this talk, I will share recent results where coupled surface acoustic wave devices and ME films are used to drive spin transitions in the NV center. Our results highlight the strengths – and limitations – of these devices, revealing the interplay of efficient spin manipulation and increased noise from the magnetoelastic film, and enabling us to outline design principles for constructing hybrid NV center-ME film sensors.