Scanning cavity microscopy of a single-crystal diamond membrane

Abstract

Spin-bearing color centers in the solid state are promising candidates for the realization of quantum networks and distributed quantum computing. A remaining key challenge is their efficient and reliable interfacing to photons. Incorporating minimally processed membranes into open-access microcavities represents a promising route for Purcellenhanced spin-photon interfaces: it enables significant emission enhancement and efficient photon collection, minimizes deteriorating influence on the quantum emitter, and allows for full spatial and spectral tunability, key for controllably addressing suitable emitters with desired optical and spin properties. Here, we study the properties of a high-finesse fiber Fabry-P\'erot microcavity with integrated single-crystal diamond membranes by scanning cavity microscopy. We observe spatially resolved the effects of the diamond-air interface on the cavity mode structure: a strong correlation of the cavity finesse and mode structure with the diamond thickness and surface topography, significant transverse-mode mixing under diamond-like conditions, and mode-character-dependent polarization-mode splitting. Our results reveal the influence of the diamond surface on the achievable Purcell enhancement, which helps to clarify the route towards optimized spin-photon interfaces