Compact NV Center Diamond Imager for Portable Vector Magnetometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic imaging technologies, such as large benchtop NV center magnetic microscopes, are not adaptable for handheld or portable applications, limiting their use in field environments for non-destructive testing and medical imaging due to their size and lack of spatial resolution.
Innovation Solution
A compact magnetic imaging sensor system utilizing nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in a diamond crystal, excited by a green pumping laser, with a radio frequency (RF) coil and a filter to pass red light to a pixelated image sensor, enabling vector magnetometry data capture in a small portable package.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large benchtop NV center magnetic microscope is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase making it non-portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic sensing function from the traditional benchtop microscope architecture by using a thin diamond crystal with NV centers that can be directly integrated onto a portable substrate, enabling the sensing function to be separated and miniaturized while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by integrating the NV center diamond crystal, optical filter, and image sensor into a compact stacked configuration where components are layered vertically, allowing the entire magnetic imaging system to be nested within a portable handheld form factor
2Length of moving object
If a compact portable design is implemented, then device size is reduced for portability, but measurement precision and spatial resolution may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a thin diamond crystal (50-200 micrometers thick) that concentrates the NV centers in a specific region close to the sensor, ensuring high spatial resolution and sensitivity are maintained in the critical measurement zone while the overall device remains compact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical optical path components with a direct stacked integration of diamond crystal, optical filter, and image sensor, eliminating complex mechanical alignment systems while maintaining or improving measurement precision through direct optical coupling
3Use of energy by moving object
If traditional optical paths are used without stacking, then light transmission is maintained, but device size increases and portability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal optical path layout to a vertical stacked configuration, arranging the diamond crystal, optical filter, and image sensor in layers along the vertical dimension, thereby maintaining efficient red light transmission while dramatically reducing the horizontal device footprint for portability
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 system provides high sensitivity and spatial resolution, allowing for portable measurement of local magnetic fields, enabling applications in field environments for non-destructive testing and medical imaging, such as measuring neuron activity with a compact device.
Implementation Method 1
a green pumping laser configured to excite nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers of a diamond crystal
Implementation Method 2
a filter configured to pass red light caused by the excitation to an image sensor
Implementation Method 3
a radio frequency (RF) coil configured to apply radiation to the diamond crystal
Implementation Method 4
a magnet configured to break a degeneracy of the NV centers
Data Source
AI summary
The following relates generally to a magnetic imaging sensor configured to capture vector magnetometry data. One disclosed aspect involves: using a green pumping laser to excite nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers of a diamond crystal; and, through a filter stacked between the diamond crystal and a pixilated image sensor, passing red light caused by the excitation to the pixilated image sensor.