Nanodiamonds

Some of the biological and quantum applications of nanodiamonds and the central role of diamond color centers are discussed. The application of diamond to quantum and biological technologies can be significantly used through the negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy center (NV). NV in nanodiamond can be created by three ways including forming NV during the diamond growth process; activating N present in the diamond as an impurity; and implanting nitrogen into ultra-pure (low-nitrogen) diamond. Each method has its own advantages, and the choice of the fabrication methodology ultimately depends on the desired application. Nanodiamonds represent the most convenient, controllable room-temperature quantum entity. Researchers around the world are incorporating nanodiamond NV in applications such as quantum key distribution, quantum-limited sensing and biomarking. The use of nanodiamonds, rather than bulk single crystal, allows for a better collection efficiency of the photons.