Strain-engineered nanoscale spin polarization reversal in diamond nitrogen-vacancy centers

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2511.05373v1
• Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:58:19 GMT
• Title: Strain-engineered nanoscale spin polarization reversal in diamond nitrogen-vacancy centers
• Authors: Zhixian Liu, Jiahao Sun, Ganyu Xu, Bo Yang, Yuhang Guo, Yu Wang, Cunliang Xin, Hongfang Zuo, Mengqi Wang, Ya Wang,
• Abstract summary: We show that anisotropic lattice strain serves as a powerful tool for manipulating spin dynamics in solid-state systems.<n>Our work establishes strain engineering as a powerful tool for tailoring quantum emitter properties.
• Score: 11.220694988293296
• License: http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/
• Abstract: The ability to control solid-state quantum emitters is fundamental to advancing quantum technologies. The performance of these systems is fundamentally governed by their spin-dependent photodynamics, yet conventional control methods using cavities offer limited access to key non-radiative processes. Here we demonstrate that anisotropic lattice strain serves as a powerful tool for manipulating spin dynamics in solid-state systems. Under high pressure, giant shear strain gradients trigger a complete reversal of the intrinsic spin polarization, redirecting ground-state population from $|0\rangle$ to $|\pm 1\rangle$ manifold. We show that this reprogramming arises from strain-induced mixing of the NV center's excited states and dramatic alteration of intersystem crossing, which we quantify through a combination of opto-magnetic spectroscopy and a theoretical model that disentangles symmetry-preserving and symmetry-breaking strain contributions. Furthermore, the polarization reversal is spatially mapped with a transition region below 120 nm, illustrating sub-diffraction-limit control. Our work establishes strain engineering as a powerful tool for tailoring quantum emitter properties, opening avenues for programmable quantum light sources, high-density spin-based memory, and hybrid quantum photonic devices.

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