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andtheoretical descriptions, sensing and imaging capabilities of quantum
emitters insolids have significantly increased in the past two decades. Quantum
emitters insolids, whose properties resemble those of atoms and ions, provide
alternative waysto probing natural and artificial nanoscopic systems with
minimum disturbance andultimate spatial resolution. Among those emerging
quantum emitters, the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color center in diamond is an
outstanding example due to its intrinsicproperties at room temperature
(highly-luminescent, photo-stable, biocompatible,highly-coherent spin states).
This review article summarizes recent advances andachievements in using NV
centers within nano- and single crystal diamonds in sensingand imaging. We also
highlight prevalent challenges and material aspects for differenttypes of
diamond and outline the main parameters to consider when using color centersas
sensors. As a novel sensing resource, we highlight the properties of NV
centersas light emitting electrical dipoles and their coupling to other
nanoscale dipoles e.g.graphene.
