Quantum interference of single photons from remote nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond

Phys Rev Lett. 2012 Apr 6;108(14):143601. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.108.143601. Epub 2012 Apr 3.

Abstract

We demonstrate quantum interference between indistinguishable photons emitted by two nitrogen-vacancy centers in distinct diamond samples separated by two meters. Macroscopic solid immersion lenses are used to enhance photon collection efficiency. Quantum interference is verified by measuring a value of the second-order cross-correlation function g((2))(0)=0.35±0.04<0.5. In addition, optical transition frequencies of two separated nitrogen-vacancy centers are tuned into resonance with each other by applying external electric fields. An extension of the present approach to generate entanglement of remote solid-state qubits is discussed.