Diamond Nitrogen-Vacancy Sensor for Electrical Line Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for accurately locating and measuring electrical wiring and current intensity, such as line locators based on capacitive measuring principles, are inefficient and lack precision in detecting live electrical lines.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device utilizing a diamond layer with nitrogen vacancy centers that emits fluorescence in response to magnetic fields, coupled with a detection system including a photodiode to measure fluorescence, allowing for precise detection of electrical lines and current intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional capacitive measurement principles are used for detecting electrical conductors, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision and detection accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional capacitive measurement methods with a quantum optical detection system based on nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. The sensor uses optical excitation and fluorescence detection to measure magnetic fields generated by electrical conductors, achieving significantly higher measurement precision while maintaining practical device complexity through integrated miniaturized components.
2Productivity
If conventional line locators are used, then the device is easy to operate, but the productivity and detection speed are low
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor enables continuous real-time detection of electrical conductors through continuous optical excitation and fluorescence monitoring of nitrogen-vacancy centers. This continuous measurement capability dramatically improves detection speed and productivity compared to conventional methods, while the automated signal processing maintains ease of operation.
3Loss of information
If conventional capacitive methods are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to determine current intensity and magnetic field characteristics is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The nitrogen-vacancy center-based sensor achieves multi-functionality by simultaneously detecting magnetic field strength, current intensity, and spatial position of electrical conductors through a single integrated system. The optical detection method provides rich information content including field orientation and magnitude, eliminating the need for multiple separate measurement devices.
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
Enables quick and accurate detection of electrical lines and current intensity, facilitating efficient troubleshooting and localization of electrical cables, with the ability to determine magnetic field strength and direction.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescence characteristic of the diamond layer is dependent on a magnetic field induced by a current flowing through the electrical conductor
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic field induced by a current flowing through the electrical conductor
Implementation Method 3
a detection device for detecting fluorescence of the diamond layer and for providing a fluorescence-dependent detection signal. The detection device can be a photodiode
Implementation Method 4
the sensor element includes at least one irradiation device for irradiating the diamond layer with electromagnetic radiation. This electromagnetic radiation can selectively stimulate the diamond layer to emit light in the form of fluorescence
Data Source
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AI summary
The approach presented here relates to a sensor element (205) for detecting at least one electrical conductor. The sensor element (205) has at least one diamond layer with at least one nitrogen vacancy center, wherein a fluorescence property of the diamond layer is dependent on a magnetic field induced by a current flowing through the electrical conductor. Furthermore, the sensor element (205) has a detection device for detecting fluorescence of the diamond layer and for providing a detection signal (212) representing the fluorescence.