126th CEMS Colloquium

Title

Quantum sensing and imaging with diamond

Abstract

  In recent years, with the development of quantum science and technology, there has been interest in quantum computers, quantum cryptography, and quantum sensors, and their research is being actively conducted. Among these fields that utilize NV centers, we will introduce quantum sensing and imaging with diamond, including our recent research.

  Regarding the science and technology related to quantum sensors, it is expected that they will be able to increase the sensitivity and spatial resolution further compared with the existing sensors. Examples of highly sensitive quantum sensors are superconducting quantum interference devices and magnetometers based on atomic vapors or atomic clocks. On the other hand, in recent years, there has been interest in quantum sensors that use spin because they can efficiently generate and control quantum states. In particular, the electron spin of the NV center in diamond has the longest spin coherence time (T₂) at room temperature among all solid-state electron spins [1]. The single spin can be observed even at room temperature, greatly expanding the range of applications in various fields. In addition, it makes it possible to measure not only magnetic fields but also electric fields, temperature, pressure, pH, etc., and is expected to be applied in a wide range of fields as a highly sensitive sensor. Furthermore, techniques for producing diamond nanoparticles have been developed in recent years and are expected to be applied to life science. Highly sensitive quantum sensors utilizing the NV centers are also expected to be applied to research into particle physics.

[1] E. D. Herbschleb, H. Kato, Y. Maruyama, T. Danjo, T. Makino, S. Yamasaki, I. Ohki, K. Hayashi, H. Morishita, M. Fujiwara, N. Mizuochi, Nature Communications, 10, 3766 (2019).