Diamond Magneto-Optical Sensor With Optical Microwave Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diamond magneto-optical sensors face challenges in high-voltage power units due to the need for electrical insulation to prevent breakdown, especially when transmitting microwaves, which are restricted by antenna size and Radio Law limitations.
Innovation Solution
The sensor uses optical fibers for transmitting excitation light, fluorescence, and microwaves, eliminating the need for metallic components and antennas, allowing for electrical insulation and flexible measurement environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microwaves are transmitted using traditional antennas in high-voltage power units, then microwave transmission is achieved, but electrical breakdown occurs and measurement is restricted by antenna size and Radio Law limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional metallic antennas and electrical microwave transmission with an optical system. A laser beam irradiates the NV center in diamond, and microwave-frequency electromagnetic waves are transmitted optically through the diamond substrate, eliminating the need for conventional antennas and enabling electrical insulation in high-voltage environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission medium and frequency representation by modulating a laser beam at microwave frequencies. The optical carrier wave carries microwave-frequency information, allowing electromagnetic wave transmission through an optical channel instead of traditional electrical conductors, thus achieving both insulation and flexibility.
2Reliability
If traditional optical systems are used for excitation light and fluorescence transmission, then optical transmission is achieved, but electrical insulation is compromised due to metallic components
Solution Approach 1:
The diamond substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the sensor medium containing NV centers, as the optical transmission window for excitation light and fluorescence, and as the waveguide for microwave-frequency electromagnetic waves. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate metallic components, achieving electrical insulation while maintaining system functionality.
3Volume of moving object
If compact sensor design is implemented, then device size is reduced, but transmission efficiency of excitation light and fluorescence may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the NV center sensor within the diamond substrate itself, which also serves as the optical window and waveguide. The excitation light enters the diamond, interacts with NV centers, and fluorescence is emitted and collected from the same diamond structure, creating a nested, integrated design that maintains transmission efficiency while minimizing overall sensor volume.
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 easy and flexible measurement in high-voltage power units without electrical breakdown, reducing restrictions on measurement environments and allowing for compact sensor design.
Implementation Method 1
The NV center excited at a wavelength 532 nm (that is, green light) emits fluorescence at a wavelength 637 nm (that is, red light). The radiant intensity of fluorescence changes according to a spin state.
Implementation Method 2
The spin state is changed by magnetic resonance occurring due to a magnetic field applied to the NV center and microwaves or radio waves
Implementation Method 3
the irradiation unit receives modulated light having been subjected to amplitude modulation, and a modulation frequency of the modulated light is included in a microwave frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
A diamond magneto-optical sensor includes: a diamond that includes a color center with an electronic spin and is irradiated with excitation light, and an irradiation unit that irradiates the diamond with the excitation light of the color center and electromagnetic waves for magnetic resonance, wherein the irradiation unit receives modulated light having been subjected to amplitude modulation, and a modulation frequency of the modulated light is included in a microwave frequency band.