Coherent Electric-Field Control of Orbital state in a Neutral Nitrogen-Vacancy Center

Abstract: The coherent control of the orbital state is crucial for color centers in diamonds for realizing extremely low-power manipulation. Here, we propose the neutrally charged nitrogen-vacancy center, NV$^0$, as an ideal system for orbital control through electric fields. We estimate electric susceptibility in the ground state of NV$^0$ to be comparable to that in the excited state of NV$^-$. Also, we demonstrate coherent control of the orbital states of NV$^0$. The required power for orbital control is three orders of magnitude smaller than that for spin control, highlighting the potential for interfacing a superconducting qubit operated in a dilution refrigerator.