Lifetime Reduction of Single Germanium-Vacancy Centers in Diamond via a Tunable Open Microcavity

Abstract

Coupling between a single quantum emitter and an optical cavity presents a key capability for future quantum networking applications. Here, we explore interactions between individual germanium-vacancy (GeV) defects in diamond and an open microcavity at cryogenic temperatures. Exploiting the tunability of our microcavity system to characterize and select emitters, we observe a Purcell-effect-induced lifetime reduction of up to 4.5±0.3 and extract coherent-coupling rates up to 360±20 MHz. Our results indicate that the GeV defect has favorable optical properties for cavity coupling, with a quantum efficiency of at least 0.34±0.05 and likely much higher.