Synthetic Diamond Surface Regions with Varying Quantum Spin Defect Concentrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diamond materials for magnetometry applications lack optimized surface regions with varying concentrations of quantum spin defects, limiting sensor functionality and resolution.
Innovation Solution
A synthetic diamond material with distinct surface regions, one having a significantly higher concentration of quantum spin defects than the other, achieved through chemical vapour deposition and processing techniques such as irradiation and annealing, allowing for engineered concentrations of defects like NV−, silicon, nickel, chromium, germanium, and tin defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If uniform concentration of quantum spin defects is used throughout the diamond material, then manufacturing is simpler, but sensor functionality and resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct surface regions with different quantum spin defect concentrations. The first surface region has a first concentration of quantum spin defects, while the second surface region has a second concentration that differs from the first. This allows different areas of the diamond material to be optimized for different sensing functions, thereby enhancing overall sensor functionality and resolution without complicating the manufacturing process.
2Measurement precision
If high concentration of quantum spin defects is used throughout the material, then sensing capability is enhanced, but cryogenic cooling apparatus is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local quality variations in defect concentration to enhance sensing capability while avoiding the need for cryogenic cooling. By having regions with different concentrations of quantum spin defects, the material can achieve high measurement precision in specific areas without requiring the entire material to be uniformly doped at high levels, which would necessitate cryogenic cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by concentrating quantum spin defects in specific surface regions rather than uniformly throughout the entire material. The first surface region has a first concentration of quantum spin defects and the second surface region has a second concentration, allowing high sensing capability to be achieved in localized areas without the excessive action of uniform high-level doping that would require cryogenic cooling apparatus.
3Adaptability or versatility
If distinct surface regions with varying defect concentrations are created, then sensor functionality is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by defining distinct surface regions with different quantum spin defect concentrations during the chemical vapour deposition process. This approach enhances sensor functionality by creating specialized areas for different sensing tasks while managing manufacturing complexity through integrated process design rather than post-processing modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the concentration of quantum spin defects in different surface regions through controlled chemical vapour deposition parameters. By adjusting deposition conditions such as gas composition, temperature, and pressure in different zones, the patent achieves distinct defect concentrations in the first and second surface regions, enhancing sensor functionality while maintaining manageable manufacturing complexity through process control.
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 material enables enhanced sensor functionality and resolution by creating patterns of high and low defect concentrations, suitable for advanced sensing applications including wide field imaging and magnetic field sensing, without the need for cryogenic cooling.
Implementation Method 1
achieved through chemical vapour deposition and processing techniques
Implementation Method 2
processing techniques such as irradiation and annealing, allowing for engineered concentrations of defects like NV−
Implementation Method 3
processing techniques such as irradiation and annealing, allowing for engineered concentrations of defects like NV−
Data Source
AI summary
A synthetic diamond material comprises a surface, wherein the surface comprises a first surface region comprising a first concentration of quantum spin defects. A second surface region has a predetermined area and is located adjacent to the first surface region, the second region comprising a second concentration of quantum spin defects. The first concentration of quantum spin defects is at least ten times greater than the second concentration of quantum spin defects, and at least one of the first or second surface regions comprises chemical vapour deposition, CVD, synthetic diamond. A method of producing the synthetic diamond material is also disclosed.