The performance of diamond color centers for quantum information and sensing depends strongly on the quality of the material. Specifically, ultra-pure, low-strain diamond is preferred. However, in order to create color centers, non-carbon atoms must be incorporated into the lattice either by rapid growth or implantation. Both these techniques cause defects and lattice damage that degrades ultimate performance. To overcome these problems, we show a molecule-seeded growth technique that decouples the doping and growth processes. The result is near-deterministic creation of specific color centers in chemically pure, low-strain diamond. Data showing selective growth of H3 and NV centers will be presented, where the NV is used to verify that the crystals are low-strain. Future application to other color centers like silicon, germanium, and tin vacancies will be discussed. Also the possibility of direct growth of more complex quantum registers.
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