Towards spin-optomechanics with nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond

Abstract

A single spin, as found in the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center, is a purely quantum system, whereas our 1×1 mm membranes behave like classical resonators, vibrating similarly to trampolines. Our aim is to bridge these two systems by investigating the spin-mechanical coupling between the magnetic states of a single NV center and the motion of a nanomechanical drum resonator, with the interaction mediated by a nanomagnet attached to the membrane. Understanding this interaction is key to sensing macroscopic quantum dynamics and has important applications in quantum sensing. To capture the signature of this interaction in our setup, we focus on observing the effect of the mechanical motion on the spin dynamics of the NV center, as well as the backaction of the spin on the resonator.