Magnetic Field Sensor With OLED Readout for Room-Temperature Mapping
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quantum sensing techniques for magnetic fields require optical excitation or cryogenic temperatures, which hinder chip-scale integration and commercial scalability, and there is a need for a spatially resolved magnetic field sensor that can operate without these constraints.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field sensor comprising an electrically inert and optically clear substrate with a microwave or RF generator element and a heterostructure organic light-emitting diode (OLED) that allows for electrical and optical readout, enabling spatially resolved magnetic field detection without optical pumping or cryogenic temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If quantum sensing techniques such as nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond or atomic vapor magnetometers are used, then high sensitivity and spatial resolution are achieved, but optical excitation is required which complicates chip-scale integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the optical excitation requirement from the sensing mechanism by using organic semiconductors that enable magnetic resonance detection through electrical means alone, thereby simplifying the device architecture for chip-scale integration while maintaining high sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical excitation system with an electrical excitation system using microwave or radio frequency generators to induce magnetic resonance in the organic semiconductor, substituting complex optical components with simpler electrical components suitable for integration
2Measurement precision
If SQUIDs or superconducting qubits are used for quantum sensing, then high sensitivity is achieved, but cryogenic temperatures are required which hinders commercial scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter from cryogenic to room temperature by using organic semiconductors that maintain their magnetic resonance properties at ambient conditions, eliminating the need for complex cryogenic cooling systems and enabling commercial scalability
3Temperature
If nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond are used, then room-temperature operation is achieved, but the complexity of optical pumping and integration remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the optical pumping subsystem entirely by using organic semiconductors that can be excited and detected through electrical means, simplifying the device while maintaining room-temperature operation and enabling easier integration with standard electronics
4Device complexity
If conventional magnetic field sensors are used, then chip-scale integration is simplified, but sensitivity and spatial resolution are insufficient for quantum-level detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material structures combining organic semiconductors with standard semiconductor fabrication processes, achieving both high sensitivity comparable to quantum sensors and ease of integration with conventional chip-scale manufacturing techniques
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 sensor provides robust magnetic field mapping with sensitivity of ~160 μT Hz−1/2 μm−2, facilitating chip-scale integration and magnetic field imaging using spatially resolved magnetic resonance.
Implementation Method 1
a microwave or radio frequency (RF) generator element disposed on an upper side of the substrate, the generator element configured to be connected to an electrode for connection to a microwave or RF generator
Implementation Method 2
a heterostructure organic light-emitting diode (OLED) disposed adjacent the microwave or RF generator element
Implementation Method 3
they can provide both electrical and optical readout via optically and electrically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR and EDMR, respectively)
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic field sensor 1 includes an electrically inert and optically clear substrate 4 that has opposed upper and lower surfaces. A microwave or RF generator element 13 is disposed on the upper side of the substrate where the generator element 13 is configured to be connected to an electrode for connection to a microwave or RF generator. The sensor 1 includes a heterostructure organic light emitting diode (OLED) 2 disposed adjacent the microwave or RF generator element 6, the OLED being configured to be connected to a first electrode and a second electrode.