NV Center Diamond Magnetometer via Electrical Pumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetometers based on the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond rely on complex and inefficient optical pumping methods, which are costly and difficult to integrate into electrical or photonic circuits.
Innovation Solution
A magnetometer design that replaces optical pumping with electrical injection of charge carriers into a diamond diode structure, utilizing a p-i-n diode, MOSFET, or BJT structure to produce electroluminescence sensitive to magnetic fields, allowing for compact, low-power, and high-sensitivity measurements without the need for lasers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical pumping methods are used to pump NV centers in diamond, then magnetometer sensitivity can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to required lasers and optical setups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical pumping system (lasers, optical components) with an electrical pumping system using a diode structure. Electrical current is applied to the diamond material containing NV centers, generating electroluminescence that pumps the centers. This substitution eliminates complex optical setups while maintaining the ability to achieve magnetic field-sensitive states in NV centers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical circuit as an intermediary between the power source and the NV centers. The circuit applies controlled electrical current through the diamond material, enabling indirect pumping of NV centers via electroluminescence generation. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by replacing direct optical interaction with electrical interaction.
2Measurement precision
If optical pumping methods are used, then NV centers can be pumped, but power consumption increases due to laser requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-power laser systems with low-power electrical diode structures. The diode structure consumes significantly less power to generate the necessary electroluminescence for pumping NV centers compared to traditional laser-based optical pumping systems. This substitution directly addresses the power consumption issue while maintaining pumping effectiveness.
3Measurement precision
If optical pumping setups are used, then magnetometer function is achieved, but integration into electrical or photonic circuits becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical components with electrical diode structures that can be directly integrated into standard electrical and photonic circuits. The diode structure uses conventional electrical connections rather than optical alignment and coupling, enabling seamless integration with existing circuit technologies. This enhances adaptability and versatility for various applications and circuit configurations.
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 development of very low size, weight, and power (SWAP) magnetometers with high sensitivity and the ability to pattern many sensors in arrays, achieving improved sensitivity and reduced power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
An optical detector is operative to collect and measure an electroluminescence produced by the diode structure after the forward bias voltage is applied to the diode structure
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetometer comprises a diode structure including a diamond material having free electrons and free charge carriers. An electrical circuit is coupled to the diode structure and is operative to apply a forward bias voltage to the diode structure. An optical detector is operative to collect and measure an electroluminescence produced by the diode structure after the forward bias voltage is applied to the diode structure. A processor is coupled to the optical detector and is operative to determine a magnetic field based on the measured electroluminescence produced by the diode structure.