Dynamically tunable optical lattice based on optics and magnetism with nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond

Traditional optical lattices in atomic ensembles of alkali metal atoms with tunable refractive index have been achieved. However, these optical lattices are often limited by large-scale settings and specific temperature conditions, which restrict their practical applications. This study introduces a room-temperature tunable optical lattice within microscale diamond nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers that may overcome these disadvantages and enable lots of promising applications. Here, the optical properties of the optical lattice, i.e., the amplitude-type and phase-type lattices, can be effectively and dynamically modulated by optical and magnetic methods. It is found that in the optical modulation, an equivalent zero- and first-order diffraction intensity is achieved in the far field by manipulating the photon detuning of the probe field. Additionally, we also demonstrate that the eigenvalues of the hyperfine energy levels vary with changes in magnetic field strength, resulting in a controllable higher order diffraction of the probe field. Furthermore, considering the lattice-forming field in a resonant condition, the modulation region where the higher order diffraction of the probe field can be obtained is broader than previous research, exhibiting a more significant flexibility. The dynamic tunability of these lattices is pivotal for expanding the control and application of NV centers in diamond and may find applications in optical networking and communication technologies.