Solid-state defects are well-known quantum sensors that can use their quantum state to detect extremely small changes in magnetic and electric fields, temperature, pressure, or chemical environments. In the case of a fluorescent defect (colour center), the most common method for initializing and reading the spin state is optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR), based on measuring changes in fluorescence intensity caused by a simultaneously applied alternating magnetic field.

In this talk, I will present our group's experimental capabilities for manipulating the quantum states of various types of colour solid-state defects using three ODMR setups built in our laboratory over the past six years. I will also highlight recent experimental results and advances we have achieved in the field of quantum sensing using colour centers in diamond and silicon carbide.