Incorporation of SiV-centers in diamond nanoparticles using silicon background doping

Color centers in diamond nanoparticles are promising photoluminescence sources for various applications like bioimaging and labelling. In this work, Silicon Vacancy (SiV) centers were incorporated into individual diamond nanoparticles via controlled background doping during the CVD growth process. The size of the nanoparticles is measured with a scanning electron microscope whereas the SiV centers are characterized by photoluminescence measurements. Due to the low temperature growth conditions applied, the nanopartides could be removed from the substrate via an annealing step and ultrasonic treatment, creating a suspension of fluorescent diamond nanoparticles.