Solid state magnetometers based on the negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy centre in diamond (NVD) provide an alternative solution for highly sensitive magnetic field detection under ambient conditions. The presence of a natural abundance of 1.1% of 13C in commercial NVD however limits magnetic field sensitivity. Isotopic engineering of diamond can reduce the Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance linewidth and improve measurement contrast and ultimately sensitivity for precision magnetometry applications. A significant factor governing the DC magnetic sensitivity of an NV magnetometer is the T2* decoherence time.

Optimise modelling and growth to achieve NV ensembles with T2* coherence times longer than commercially available diamond materials. NV dipoles oriented in particular directions will preferentially couple to waveguide structures. To gain control over the NV orientation and coupling of the NV emission into waveguides and optical fibres, diamond growth on (100) and (111) diamond substrates will be explored. Growth on (100) diamond substrates results in NV centres aligned along four distinct orientations which is convenient for vector magnetometry applications. Research has shown that chemical vapour deposition growth on (111) diamond substrates can achieve preferential NV alignment at relatively low NV densities, offering advantages for precision magnetometry applications which will be explored.