Waveguide Diffractors for Pump Laser Delivery in Diamond Magnetometers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic field measurement technologies, such as SQUID and atomic-based magnetometry, face limitations including high size and power consumption, and inability to operate in earth fields, while requiring multiple sensors for vector information.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing optical diffraction to deliver a pump laser through a waveguide layer with diffractors, where a pump laser excites point defects in materials like NV diamond, allowing for sensitive magnetic field detection with reduced size, weight, and power, and enabling vector field measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If SQUID technology is used for magnetic field measurement, then high sensitivity is achieved, but size and power consumption increase due to cryogenic refrigeration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cryogenic refrigeration system of SQUID with an optical-based magnetometer using nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky cryogenic equipment while maintaining high magnetic field sensitivity, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device size.
2Measurement precision
If atomic-based magnetometers are used, then high sensitivity is achieved, but the ability to operate in earth field is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond which have different operational characteristics compared to atomic-based magnetometers. By changing the physical parameter of the sensing medium to diamond with NV centers, the system achieves both high sensitivity and the ability to operate in earth magnetic fields, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used to provide vector information, then vector field measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single magnetometer sensor that can measure all three components of the magnetic field vector by rotating the sensor or using multiple orientations of nitrogen-vacancy centers within the diamond crystal. This multi-functional capability allows one sensor to perform the work of multiple sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining vector measurement capability.
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 precise, sensitive, and low-power magnetic field measurement capable of operating in earth fields, with the ability to determine vector information using optical diffraction and point defects, improving navigation applications.
Implementation Method 1
one or more diffractors configured to direct a portion of the pump laser out of the second waveguide and through the first waveguide
Implementation Method 2
a pump laser excites point defects in materials like NV diamond, allowing for sensitive magnetic field detection
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method for the delivery of a pump laser using optical diffraction are described herein. In certain embodiments, a system includes a substrate and a waveguide layer formed on the substrate. The waveguide layer includes a first waveguide of a first material configured to receive a probe laser for propagating within the first waveguide. The waveguide layer additionally includes a second waveguide configured to receive a pump laser for propagating within the second waveguide. Further, the waveguide layer includes one or more diffractors configured to direct a portion of the pump laser out of the second waveguide and through the first waveguide.