Spin coherence and depths of single nitrogen-vacancy centers created by ion implantation into diamond via screening masks

We characterize single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers created by 10-keV N⁺ ion implantation into diamond via thin SiO₂ layers working as screening masks. Despite the relatively high acceleration energy compared with standard ones (< 5 keV) used to create near-surface NV centers, the screening masks modify the distribution of N⁺ ions to be peaked at the diamond surface [Ito et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 110, 213105 (2017)]. We examine the relation between coherence times of the NV electronic spins and their depths, demonstrating that a large portion of NV centers are located within 10 nm from the surface, consistent with Monte Carlo simulations. The effect of the surface on the NV spin coherence time is evaluated through noise spectroscopy, surface topography, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.