The quantum properties of the fluorescence light emitted by diamond nanocrystals containing a single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) colored center are investigated. We have observed photon antibunching with very low background light. This system is therefore a very good candidate for the production of single photon on demand. In addition, we have measured a larger NV center lifetime in nanocrystals than in the bulk, in good agreement with a simple quantum electrodynamical model.

• Received 4 April 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.64.061802