Fiber-Coupled Spin Defect Magnetometry for Precision Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic field detectors, such as those relying on classical physical phenomena, are limited by sensitivity, dynamic range, and form factor, which hinders their effectiveness in detecting magnetic fields with high precision and portability.
Innovation Solution
The use of fiber-coupled electron spin defect based magnetometry, where optical fibers are attached to an electron spin defect body to efficiently couple light in and out, enhancing light transmission and collection efficiency, and utilizing a microwave field to detect magnetic fields through Zeeman shifts of electron spin sublevels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If classical magnetic field detectors are used, then magnetic field detection is achieved, but sensitivity and dynamic range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces classical magnetic field detection mechanisms with quantum-based electron spin defect magnetometry. The system uses optical excitation and photoluminescence detection of electron spin defects (such as NV centers in diamond) to measure magnetic fields, substituting mechanical/electrical detection methods with quantum optical methods that provide superior sensitivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the photoluminescence properties of electron spin defects in response to magnetic field-induced Zeeman shifts. By monitoring changes in photoluminescence intensity or spectral characteristics as a function of applied magnetic field, the system achieves high-precision magnetic field measurement with extended dynamic range.
2Measurement precision
If classical magnetic field detectors are used, then magnetic field detection is achieved, but form factor is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional components into a compact nested structure. Optical fibers are attached directly to the electron spin defect body, with excitation light delivered through one fiber and photoluminescence collected through another. This nested integration of light delivery, defect interaction, and signal collection within a minimal volume enables portable, high-precision magnetometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the electron spin defect body itself, which serves simultaneously as the magnetic field sensor, the optical interaction medium, and the signal source. The defect body is directly coupled to optical fibers, merging the sensing element and transduction mechanism into a single compact unit that eliminates the need for separate components.
3Productivity
If optical fibers are attached to electron spin defect body, then light transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components from the optical path. By directly attaching optical fibers to the electron spin defect body surfaces, the system removes the need for complex lens systems, windows, or coupling mechanisms that would otherwise be required to deliver excitation light and collect photoluminescence efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fibers serve multiple functions simultaneously: delivering excitation light to the defect body, collecting emitted photoluminescence, and providing mechanical support and alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
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 improves the sensitivity and reliability of magnetic field detection, reduces the size of the magnetometer, and allows for portable, room-temperature operation, enabling efficient measurement of time-varying magnetic fields with increased precision and robustness.
Implementation Method 1
An optical source is configured to emit input light of a first wavelength that excites the plurality of lattice point defects of the electron spin defect body from a ground state to an excited state
Implementation Method 2
The second optical fiber is arranged to receive photoluminescence of a second wavelength emitted from the electron spin defect body through the second face
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a microwave field to detect magnetic fields through Zeeman shifts of electron spin sublevels
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetometer includes an electron spin defect body including a plurality of lattice point defects. A microwave field transmitter is operable to apply a microwave field to the electron spin defect body. An optical source is configured to emit input light of a first wavelength that excites the plurality of lattice point defects of the electron spin defect body from a ground state to an excited state. A first optical fiber has an input end optically coupled to the optical source and an output end. The output end is attached to a first face of the electron spin defect body and is arranged to direct the input light into the first face of the electron spin defect body. A second optical fiber has an output end and an input end. A photodetector is optically coupled to the output end of the second optical fiber.