Compact and Fully Integrated LED Quantum Sensor Based on NV Centers in Diamond

Abstract

Quantum magnetometry based on optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) of nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond nano or microcrystals is a promising technology for sensitive, integrated magnetic-field sensors. Currently, this technology is still cost-intensive and mainly found in research. Here we propose one of the smallest fully integrated quantum sensors to date based on nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond microcrystals. It is an extremely cost-effective device that integrates a pump light source, photodiode, microwave antenna, filtering and fluorescence detection. Thus, the sensor offers an all-electric interface without the need to adjust or connect optical components. A sensitivity of 28.32nT/Hz and a theoretical shot noise limited sensitivity of 2.87 nT/Hz is reached. Since only generally available parts were used, the sensor can be easily produced in a small series. The form factor of (6.9 × 3.9 × 15.9) mm3 combined with the integration level is the smallest fully integrated NV-based sensor proposed so far. With a power consumption of around 0.1W, this sensor becomes interesting for a wide range of stationary and handheld systems. This development paves the way for the wide usage of quantum magnetometers in non-laboratory environments and technical applications.

Microcontroller-Optimized Measurement Electronics for Coherent Control Applications of NV Centers

“…The developed system also offers advantages outside of laboratory environments. By replacing the SLAprinted structure with a compact sensor head, as in Pogorzelski et al [2], or by extending a fiber-coupled system, a variety of interesting applications arise for the commercial sector. With the four orientations of the NV centers, vector magnetometry for static or slowly changing magnetic fields can be realized using ODMR.…”

“…Some integrated sensors have already demonstrated that they could achieve sensitivities of 344 pT/ √ Hz and that the performance can already exceed those of conventional Hall sensors [1]. The focus is often on miniaturizing the sensor head with the diamond, radio frequency (RF) excitation via an antenna, and a photodiode for detection as a compact component [1][2][3][4]. However, these sensors still require laboratory measuring instruments to evaluate the weak photocurrent signal and are, therefore, anything but easy to transport.…”