Diamond Nitrogen-Vacancy Accelerometer for Noise-Resistant Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acceleration measurement systems, such as those based on piezo-electrics, MEMS, or quartz flexures, face limitations including high micro-g bias noise, electromagnetic noise interference, and vibrations, which lead to drift in absolute measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a diamond with a nitrogen-vacancy centre, a magnet with a known mass, and an optical sensor to measure acceleration. The diamond emits fluorescence under optical illumination and a radio frequency field, and the variation in fluorescence is sensed to determine acceleration based on changes in the magnetic field experienced by the diamond due to movement of the magnet relative to the diamond.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional accelerometers (piezo-electrics, MEMS, or quartz flexures) are used, then acceleration measurement is achieved, but electromagnetic noise and vibrations cause drift in absolute measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sensing elements (piezo-electrics, MEMS, quartz flexures) with a diamond-based magnetic field sensor containing nitrogen-vacancy centres. This substitution eliminates the mechanical components that are susceptible to electromagnetic noise and vibrations, thereby improving measurement stability while maintaining acceleration measurement capability through magnetic field sensing of the moving mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes diamond, a composite material with unique properties including nitrogen-vacancy centres that exhibit magnetic field sensitivity. The diamond structure provides both mechanical robustness against vibrations and quantum-level magnetic field detection capability, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability in noisy environments.
2Reliability
If diamond with nitrogen-vacancy centre is used, then resistance to electromagnetic noise and vibrations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diamond with nitrogen-vacancy centres serves multiple functions: it acts as both the sensing element for magnetic field detection and the structural component that maintains the spatial relationship with the moving mass. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the advanced material used, as fewer separate components are needed compared to traditional accelerometer designs.
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 provides enhanced accuracy and reduced noise susceptibility compared to traditional systems, as the diamond's magnetic field sensing properties are less affected by electromagnetic noise and vibrations, thereby minimizing drift in measurement.
Implementation Method 1
the diamond emits fluorescence under optical illumination in presence of a radio frequency field tuned to a resonant frequency of the nitrogen-vacancy centre
Implementation Method 2
the change in distance altering a magnetic field experienced by the diamond
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for measuring acceleration. The system comprises a diamond having a nitrogen-vacancy centre configured to emit fluorescence under optical illumination in presence of a radio frequency field tuned to a resonant frequency of the nitrogen-vacancy centre, and a magnet, wherein a distance between the magnet and the diamond varies in response to acceleration of the system, the change in distance altering a magnetic field experienced by the diamond. The system also comprises an optical sensor, the optical sensor configured to sense variation in fluorescence emitted by the diamond in response to the altered magnetic field for measuring acceleration.