NV-centers in diamond. Part II. Spectroscopy,spin-state identification,and quantum manipulation

The spectral and coherent properties of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are described, together with the techniques used for their experimental investigation. Particular attention is given to recently developed methods of initialization and spin-state identification for a single NV center or a spin system based on an NV center. Both electronic and nuclear spin are considered. Active and passive methods of lengthening the relaxation and phase-coherence times are discussed.