LED-Diamond NV Chip Integration for Compact Quantum Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The lack of compact and cost-effective integrated light sources for NV-based quantum sensing systems limits their practical applications due to large size and high economic costs, and the absence of portability.

Innovation Solution

A compact LED chip integrated with a diamond sensor, utilizing a gallium-nitride (GaN) LED chip as a proximity light source for NV excitation, eliminating the need for additional optical elements and enabling on-chip quantum sensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complicated laser system is used for NV excitation, then quantum sensing performance is achieved, but device size becomes large (~m³) and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantum sensing performanceVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the light source (LED) and the quantum sensor (diamond with NV centers) into a single integrated device. The LED chip is directly bonded to the diamond substrate, eliminating the need for separate laser systems and optical components. This merging reduces the device volume from ~m³ to ~mm³ while maintaining quantum sensing functionality through the LED's ability to excite NV centers at room temperature

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive, complex laser systems with inexpensive LED chips that can be mass-produced using standard semiconductor fabrication techniques. The LED-based solution significantly reduces cost while achieving the necessary excitation for NV quantum sensing, making the technology economically viable for widespread application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If a complicated laser system with various accessories is adopted, then NV excitation is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNV excitation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the light source and sensor into a single monolithic device where the LED chip is directly bonded to the diamond substrate. This eliminates the need for multiple separate components and their associated alignment and assembly procedures, dramatically simplifying manufacturing while maintaining NV excitation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated LED-diamond structure is self-contained, with the LED chip providing both the excitation light and serving as part of the optical path. The device requires no external optical accessories or complex alignment procedures, making it easy to manufacture and deploy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of stationary object

If a compact LED chip integrated with diamond sensor is used, then device size is reduced to ~mm³ and cost is lowered, but integration complexity must be managed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves compact integration by directly bonding the LED chip to the diamond substrate, creating a thin, integrated structure. This merging eliminates the need for complex optical paths and multiple components, reducing device size to ~mm³ while keeping the integration process manageable through standard semiconductor bonding techniques

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated device reduces size to ~mm 3< volume, significantly lowering costs and enhancing portability, improving quantum sensing performance and expanding practical applications.

Implementation Method 1

an LED chip generating light having a first wavelength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

the diamond with nitrogen-vacancy centers generates light having a second wavelength after excitement with light having the first wavelength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 3

NV-based quantum sensing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptically Detected Magnetic Resonance: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP4302014B1Methods and apparatus for integrating diamond with LED towards on-chip quantum sensing
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 VERSITECH LTD
  • EP4302014B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4302014B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP4302014B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3d

AI summary

A small volume optoelectronic chip containing an LED chip having embedded therein a diamond with nitrogen-vacancy centers, wherein the LED chip generates light having a first wavelength, and the diamond with nitrogen-vacancy centers generates light having a second wavelength after excitement with light having the first wavelength.