Formation of color centers in nanodiamonds by plasma assisted diffusion of impurities from the growth substrate

A technique to create nickel-related single color centers in individual nanodiamonds is demonstrated. The method involves implantation of nickel ions into a substrate onto which the diamond nanocrystals are subsequently grown by chemical vapor deposition. The nickel is transported during the growth from the implanted substrate to the plasma and incorporates itself into the growing nanodiamonds. The nanodiamonds grown by this method reveal narrow photoluminescence peaks and proved to be single photon emitters. The results demonstrate a significant advance in the control of nickel-related color centers in diamond which are core candidates for quantum information processing.