NV Nanodiamond Core-Shell Nanoparticles for NIR Upconversion Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current quantum-sensing and laser cooling systems based on nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamonds face inefficiencies in optical excitation and high costs, limiting their applications in advanced quantum sensing and biolabeling.
Innovation Solution
A core-shell nanoparticle configuration with a cleaned nitrogen-vacancy nanodiamond core surrounded by an upconversion nanoparticle shell, composed of lithium yttrium fluoride doped with lanthanide ions, which emits red light upon near-infrared excitation, enhancing energy transfer efficiency and optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamonds are used for quantum sensing and laser cooling, then quantum sensing capabilities and laser cooling efficiency are improved, but optical excitation efficiency deteriorates and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces upconversion nanoparticles as an intermediary between the nitrogen-vacancy centers and the excitation light source. These UCNPs absorb near-infrared photons and convert them to visible light wavelengths that efficiently excite the NV centers, thereby improving optical excitation efficiency while maintaining quantum sensing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the excitation light from direct visible light to near-infrared light absorbed by UCNPs. This parameter change enables deeper tissue penetration and reduces photodamage while the UCNPs convert the NIR light to the appropriate wavelength for NV center excitation
2Reliability
If nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamonds are used for quantum sensing and laser cooling, then quantum sensing capabilities and laser cooling efficiency are improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite nanoparticle system combining upconversion nanoparticles with nitrogen-vacancy nanodiamonds. This composite structure leverages the cost-effective UCNPs for light absorption and conversion while using a smaller amount of expensive diamond material, thereby reducing overall cost while maintaining quantum sensing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive diamond-based excitation systems with cheaper upconversion nanoparticle systems that can be synthesized at lower cost. The UCNPs serve as a disposable or replaceable component that enables cost-effective quantum sensing applications
3Use of energy by moving object
If direct optical excitation is used for nitrogen-vacancy centers, then excitation is achieved, but penetration depth in tissue is limited and photodamage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the excitation wavelength from visible light to near-infrared light, which has better tissue penetration properties. The UCNPs convert the NIR light to visible wavelengths locally at the nanoparticle site, enabling deep tissue imaging without the photodamage associated with direct visible light excitation
Solution Approach 2:
The UCNPs act as an intermediary that absorbs the tissue-penetrating NIR light and converts it to the wavelength needed for NV center excitation. This mediation allows the use of NIR light for excitation, which reduces photodamage and increases penetration depth while maintaining efficient NV center excitation
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 core-shell nanoparticle improves quantum sensing capabilities and laser cooling efficiency, offering cost-effective solutions for deep tissue penetration and minimal photodamage, expanding applications in quantum technologies and biomedical imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) shell, wherein the UCNP comprises lithium yttrium fluoride (LiYF4) doped with a lanthanide ion combination
Implementation Method 2
the cleaned nitrogen-vacancy nanodiamond (NVND) core comprises a cleaned nitrogen-vacancy nanodiamond
Data Source
AI summary
A core-shell nanoparticle having a cleaned nitrogen-vacancy nanodiamond (NVND) core surrounded by an upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) shell, wherein the cleaned nitrogen-vacancy nanodiamond (NVND) core comprises a cleaned nitrogen-vacancy nanodiamond, wherein the UCNP shell comprises an upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP), wherein the UCNP comprises lithium yttrium fluoride (LiYF4) doped with a lanthanide ion combination, wherein the lanthanide ion combination comprises a M1 ion and a M2 ion, wherein M1 is ytterbium (Yb) or neodymium (Nd) and M2 is erbium (Er), thulium (Tm) or holmium (Ho), and wherein the core-shell nanoparticle emits a red-emission upon a near-infrared (NIR) excitation is disclosed. Integration of cleaned NVNDs with UNCPs for enhancing optical manipulation and enabling efficient energy transfer for applications in biological imaging, quantum sensing and laser cooling is disclosed.