Diamond-Integrated LED Chip for Portable NV Quantum Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current NV-based quantum sensing systems are hindered by the lack of integrated light sources, requiring large and costly laser systems that limit portability and practical applications due to their size and economic costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact and cost-effective solution is achieved by integrating a diamond with nitrogen-vacancy centers onto a single LED chip, which serves as a proximity light source for NV excitation, eliminating the need for additional optical elements and enabling on-chip quantum sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a laser system with various accessories is used for NV excitation, then the quantum sensing capability is achieved, but the system occupies large space and has high economic costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the diamond NV center sensor and LED light source into a single integrated chip structure. The diamond layer is directly deposited on the LED chip, merging the light generation and quantum sensing functions into one compact device, eliminating the need for separate laser systems and optical accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED chip serves multiple functions: it generates the excitation light for NV centers and acts as a substrate for the diamond sensor. The integrated structure performs both light emission and quantum sensing functions within a single device, reducing system complexity and size.
2Reliability
If a laser system with various accessories is used for NV excitation, then the quantum sensing capability is achieved, but the economic costs are huge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive laser systems with inexpensive LED chips. LEDs are mass-produced, low-cost components compared to laser systems, making the quantum sensing device economically viable while maintaining functional capability for NV excitation.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating the sensor and light source into one chip, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate components and their associated assembly, alignment, and maintenance costs, significantly reducing the overall economic burden of the quantum sensing system.
3Reliability
If a laser system with various accessories is used for NV excitation, then the quantum sensing capability is achieved, but the portability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of diamond NV centers with LED chips creates a compact, self-contained device that can be easily transported and deployed in various environments. The single-chip structure eliminates the need for bulky optical tables and accessories, enabling portable quantum sensing applications.
4Volume of stationary object
If diamond is integrated with LED chip, then the size and cost are significantly reduced, but the integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical assembly methods with direct diamond deposition onto the LED chip using chemical vapor deposition (CVD). This eliminates the need for complex mechanical mounting, alignment, and bonding processes, simplifying the integration despite the advanced manufacturing technique required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach results in a significantly reduced size and cost, enhancing portability and practical applications, with improved performance and efficiency in NV-based quantum sensing, as demonstrated by the feasibility of achieving a signal-to-noise ratio of ~9 in initial experiments.
Implementation Method 1
an LED chip, which generates light having a first wavelength
Implementation Method 2
the diamond with nitrogen-vacancy centers generates light having a second wavelength after excitement with light having the first wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
A small volume optoelectronic chip contains an LED chip with a diamond having nitrogen-vacancy centers embedded therein. The LED chip generates light having a first wavelength, and the diamond with nitrogen-vacancy centers generates light having a second wavelength after excitement with light having the first wavelength. The diamond may also be on or adjacent the LED.