Irregular Diamond Pillar Layout for Multi-NVC Optical Interrogation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing systems using ordered arrays of diamond nano-pillars with uniform nitrogen vacancy centers are limited in functionality and difficulty in addressing multiple nitrogen vacancy centers, and there is a need for improved methods to enhance optical sensitivity and efficient interrogation of these centers.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system with diamond pillars arranged irregularly and coupled with input and output optical waveguides, where the pillars have varying heights and are integrated with a bulk diamond substrate, supported by a photonic integrated circuit, allowing for efficient optical signal processing and isolation of nitrogen vacancy centers for independent interrogation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an ordered array of uniform diamond nano-pillars is used, then the optical interface is enhanced and manufacturing is simplified, but the functionality is limited and it becomes difficult to address multiple nitrogen vacancy centers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from uniform, identical diamond pillars to pillars with varying heights and irregular arrangements. This asymmetry enables different interrogation frequencies for multiple nitrogen vacancy centers, allowing the system to address and control multiple quantum centers independently while maintaining enhanced optical sensitivity through the photoluminescence properties of each center
2Reliability
If an ordered array of uniform diamond nano-pillars is used, then the fabrication process impact on stresses is minimized, but the system becomes limiting in function and difficult to address numerous nitrogen vacancy centers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing each diamond pillar to have unique characteristics (different heights, positions, and nitrogen vacancy center configurations) while maintaining overall structural reliability. This enables localized optimization where each pillar can be independently interrogated and controlled, providing both stress stability from the bulk diamond substrate and enhanced interrogation capability through varied pillar properties
3Adaptability or versatility
If diamond pillars with varying heights and irregular arrangement are used, then the ability to address and interrogate multiple nitrogen vacancy centers is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-characterizing and mapping the locations and properties of nitrogen vacancy centers in the bulk diamond substrate before fabricating the pillar structures. This allows the irregular pillar arrangement and varying heights to be precisely tailored to match the underlying quantum center distribution, enabling complex interrogation capabilities while streamlining the manufacturing process through upfront planning
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
The irregular arrangement of diamond pillars with varying heights and optical waveguides enhances optical sensitivity and enables efficient isolation and interrogation of nitrogen vacancy centers, improving the system's ability to sense magnetic, electric, and other physical phenomena.
Implementation Method 1
A useful property of the nitrogen vacancy center is its photoluminescence, which allows observers to read out its spin-state
Implementation Method 2
A respective pair of input and output optical waveguides may be coupled to each diamond pillar
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system may include a sensor substrate and a plurality of diamond pillars on the sensor substrate in an irregular arrangement. Each diamond pillar may include at least one nitrogen vacancy center (NVC) and a respective pair of input and output optical waveguides coupled to each diamond pillar. At least some of the pillars may have different heights, and different height shims may be coupled between the sensor substrate and adjacent portions of the corresponding input and output optical waveguides.