Magnetic Field Control Using NV Luminescence Resonance Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for generating and regulating magnetic field strengths are costly, complex, and lack precision, particularly in measuring magnetic flux densities, and existing solutions for reference values of physical quantities like current, voltage, and magnetic fields are not cost-effective or practical.

Innovation Solution

A device utilizing a material that exhibits a resonance extreme value in luminescence or photocurrent, allowing for precise regulation of magnetic field strength by adjusting the magnetic flux density, which is independent of external influences and relies on natural constants, using a control system to maintain the resonance point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If coil arrangements are used to generate magnetic fields, then magnetic field strength can be produced, but external magnetic fields cannot be taken into account and magnetic shielding is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field generation accuracyVSAvoidmagnetic shielding requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the luminescence signal from the color center is continuously monitored and used to adjust the magnetic field strength. The control system compares the detected luminescence intensity with a reference value and adjusts the coil current accordingly to maintain the desired magnetic field strength, thereby compensating for external magnetic field influences without requiring additional shielding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/magnetic shielding approach with an optical sensing and electronic control system. Instead of physically blocking external magnetic fields, the system uses the optical properties of color centers in diamond to detect and control magnetic field strength through electronic feedback, substituting mechanical shielding with an active control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If optical and microwave excitation methods are used for nitrogen defect centers, then magnetic field measurement is possible, but the device becomes expensive and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field measurement capabilityVSAvoiddual excitation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and utilizes only the optical excitation and detection aspect of the nitrogen defect center phenomenon, discarding the microwave excitation requirement. By focusing solely on optical methods, the system achieves magnetic field measurement capability while significantly reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the optical signature (luminescence characteristics) of nitrogen defect centers as a proxy for magnetic field sensing. Instead of directly measuring magnetic field effects, the system measures the optical response of the color centers, which serves as a copy or indicator of the magnetic field state, enabling indirect but accurate measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If microwave-free magnetometry is used with nitrogen-vacancy centers, then device complexity is reduced, but magnetic flux density must be precisely controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicrowave-free operationVSAvoidmagnetic flux density control requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors the luminescence signal from nitrogen-vacancy centers and adjusts the magnetic field strength accordingly. This feedback mechanism automatically compensates for variations and maintains precise magnetic flux density control without requiring complex manual adjustment or pre-calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the luminescence properties of the nitrogen-vacancy centers themselves as the sensing mechanism, making the material self-diagnostic. The color centers naturally respond to magnetic field changes through their optical properties, and this intrinsic response is directly utilized for control, eliminating the need for separate sensing components or complex external control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If reference values for physical quantities are established using conventional methods, then measurement standards can be set, but the process is not cost-effective or practical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference value accuracyVSAvoidcost-effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex conventional reference value establishment procedures with an optical sensing method based on nitrogen-vacancy centers. Instead of using traditional electromagnetic measurement setups, the system uses optical excitation and detection of color centers to establish and maintain reference values, significantly simplifying the process and reducing costs while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 the generation and control of magnetic field strengths with high precision and reproducibility, facilitating the measurement of magnetic flux densities with high resolution and robustness, while being cost-effective and compact.

Implementation Method 1

a first material which, upon physical excitation, generates luminescence and/or a photocurrent, wherein the luminescence or photocurrent exhibits an extreme value (in the form of a resonance) with respect to a magnetic field at at least one magnetic flux density

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLuminescence resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

the fluorescence intensity of a diamond material with a nitrogen defect center is evaluated in order to deduce the magnetic field acting on the nitrogen defect center

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectZeeman effect: Zeeman Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3874343B1Device and method for generating and controlling a magnetic field strength
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 QUANTUM TECH UG GMBH
  • EP3874343B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3874343B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3874343B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (50) for generating and controlling a magnetic field strength and to a method for generating and controlling a magnetic field strength, wherein the generation is very stable and precise. Preferably, reference values of physical variables can be generated relatively simply and economically. Also, magnetic flow densities with high resolutions and which are in particular robust, can be measured. The invention can also be used for transmitting information, in particular ultra-wide band communication. The required devices (50) can be very small, in particular miniature, and can be mobile.