Efficient fluorescence detection in solid state spin systems

A fluorescence detection system comprising:

• an optical source configured to generate excitation light;
• a sample containing one or more fluorescence color centers that emit fluorescent light when irradiated with the excitation light from the optical source, wherein the sample has an index of refraction greater than its surrounding medium, said sample comprising at least one output face and further comprising at least two opposing faces configured to internally reflect the fluorescent light emitted by the one or more fluorescent color centers and optically guide the emitted fluorescent light to said at least one output face;
• at least one optical detector configured to receive fluorescent light emitted through said at least one output face;
• and
• a microwave source configured to manipulate electronic spin of the one or more fluorescent color centers;
• wherein the sample is in the form of a plate, the plate major faces forming said at least two opposing faces for optically guiding the emitted fluorescent light and the plate further comprising one or more side faces forming said at least one output face, and
• wherein the plate comprises a plurality of side faces and the at least one optical detector is configured to receive fluorescent light emitted from at least two of said plurality of side faces.

A fluorescence detection system comprising:

• an optical source configured to generate excitation light;
• a sample containing one or more fluorescence color centers that emit fluorescent light when irradiated with the excitation light from the optical source, wherein the sample has an index of refraction greater than its surrounding medium, said sample comprising at least one output face and further comprising at least two opposing faces configured to internally reflect the fluorescent light emitted by the one or more fluorescent color centers and optically guide the emitted fluorescent light to said at least one output face;
• at least one optical detector configured to receive fluorescent light emitted through said at least one output face;
• and
• a microwave source configured to manipulate electronic spin of the one or more fluorescent color centers;
• wherein said at least one optical detector has a size and position relative to said at least one output face to receive at least 75% of fluorescent light emitted through said at least one output face.

A fluorescence detection system comprising:

• an optical source configured to generate excitation light;
• a sample containing one or more fluorescence color centers that emit fluorescent light when irradiated with the excitation light from the optical source, wherein the sample has an index of refraction greater than its surrounding medium, said sample comprising at least one output face and further comprising at least two opposing faces configured to internally reflect the fluorescent light emitted by the one or more fluorescent color centers and optically guide the emitted fluorescent light to said at least one output face;
• at least one optical detector configured to receive fluorescent light emitted through said at least one output face;
• and
• a microwave source configured to manipulate electronic spin of the one or more fluorescent color centers;
• wherein said at least one optical detector is positioned in contact with said at least one output face either directly or indirectly via a filter.

A fluorescence detection system comprising:

• an optical source configured to generate excitation light;
• a sample containing one or more fluorescence color centers that emit fluorescent light when irradiated with the excitation light from the optical source, wherein the sample has an index of refraction greater than its surrounding medium, said sample comprising at least one output face and further comprising at least two opposing faces configured to internally reflect the fluorescent light emitted by the one or more fluorescent color centers and optically guide the emitted fluorescent light to said at least one output face;
• at least one optical detector configured to receive fluorescent light emitted through said at least one output face;
• and
• a microwave source configured to manipulate electronic spin of the one or more fluorescent color centers;
• wherein the fluorescence detection system has a fluorescence collection efficiency of at least 30%.

A fluorescence detection system comprising:

• an optical source configured to generate excitation light;
• a sample containing one or more fluorescence color centers that emit fluorescent light when irradiated with the excitation light from the optical source, wherein the sample has an index of refraction greater than its surrounding medium, said sample comprising at least one output face and further comprising at least two opposing faces configured to internally reflect the fluorescent light emitted by the one or more fluorescent color centers and optically guide the emitted fluorescent light to said at least one output face;
• at least one optical detector configured to receive fluorescent light emitted through said at least one output face;
• and
• a microwave source configured to manipulate electronic spin of the one or more fluorescent color centers;
• further comprising a processor configured to determine information about an external field based on the fluorescent light received by the at least one optical detector;
• wherein said external field is a magnetic field, and
• wherein the fluorescent detection system has a sensitivity better than 10 nT/√Hz1/2.