NV Diamond Magnetic Detection via Pulsed Excitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic detection systems are limited by their operation in specific conditions such as high vacuum and cryogenic temperatures, making them unsuitable for ambient applications, and lack sensitivity and accuracy for vector magnetic field measurements.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic detection system utilizing nitrogen vacancy (NV) diamond material with RF and optical excitation sources, applying optimized pulse sequences to measure magnetic fields, and processing signals to enhance sensitivity and accuracy, allowing for detection of magnetic fields at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional magnetic detection systems are used, then magnetic field measurement is possible, but they require high vacuum and cryogenic temperatures which limits their applicability to ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs diamond nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers as the sensing medium, which fundamentally changes the operating parameters of magnetic detection systems. NV centers maintain their quantum coherence and magnetic sensitivity at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, eliminating the need for high vacuum and cryogenic conditions while preserving measurement accuracy. This parameter change enables the system to operate in ambient environments for applications such as biological imaging and portable devices.
2Volume of moving object
If small size magnetic sensors are fabricated, then SWAP (size, weight, power) is reduced, but sensitivity and vector accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes diamond material with NV centers, which combines the properties of a wide bandgap semiconductor with quantum magnetic sensitivity. This composite material approach allows fabrication of miniaturized sensors that maintain high sensitivity because the NV centers are atomic-scale defects within the diamond lattice, providing intrinsic magnetic detection capability without requiring large sensor volumes. The diamond matrix protects the NV centers while enabling small-form-factor sensors with preserved measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If pulsed excitation sequences are applied to NV centers, then magnetic field measurement sensitivity is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed excitation sequences consisting of optical pulses and microwave pulses applied to the NV centers. These periodic actions create Ramsey interferometry or spin echo sequences that enhance magnetic field measurement sensitivity by exploiting quantum coherence. The controller synchronizes the optical and microwave pulses in repeating cycles, which while requiring coordination, follows standardized pulse sequence protocols that manage system complexity through systematic control patterns.
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 achieves improved sensitivity in detecting magnetic fields, capable of measuring 3-D vector magnetic fields with high accuracy and versatility across various applications, including medical, communication, and navigation, with a sensitivity of about 9 nT/√Hz or less.
Implementation Method 1
The first measurement may be based on a high resonance frequency of the NV diamond material, and the second measurement may be based on a low resonance frequency of the NV diamond material
Implementation Method 2
an optical excitation source configured to provide optical excitation to the NV diamond material, an optical detector configured to receive an optical signal emitted by the NV diamond material
Implementation Method 3
a radio frequency (RF) excitation source configured to provide RF excitation to the NV diamond material
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting a magnetic field acting on a nitrogen vacancy (NV) diamond material comprising a plurality of NV centers may include controlling an optical excitation source and an RF excitation source to apply a pulse sequence comprising two optical excitation pulses and two RF excitation pulses to the NV diamond material, receiving a light detection signal from an optical detector based on an optical signal emitted by the NV diamond material due to the pulse sequence, measuring a first value of the light detection signal at a first reference period, the first reference period being before a period of the light detection signal associated with the two RF excitation pulses provided to the NV diamond material, measuring a second value of the light detection signal at a second reference period, the second reference period being after the period of the light detection signal associated with the two RF excitation pulses provided to the NV diamond material, and computing a measurement signal based on the measured first and second values. Such method may further may further comprise measuring a third value of the light detection signal at a signal period, the signal period being after the first reference period and before the second reference period. Such method may further comprise computing the measurement signal based on a difference between the average of the first and second values and the third value.