A Quantum Microscope for Characterization of Advanced Materials
Abstract
The goal of this project is to construct a Òquantum microscopeÓ able to image patterns of quantum magnetic fields present in advanced materials at the nanometer scale. This transformative instrument will have a unique combination of capabilities, unmatched by any existing technology: single electron spin sensitivity, ~10 nm spatial resolution, and operation at room temperature (as a stand-alone option) and under a broad range of temperatures and static magnetic fields (1.5 K to above room temperature and up to 1 T if the cryogenic option is funded). The quantum microscope will fill a critical technical need in the fundamental exploration and targeted development of smart materials for a wide range of 21st century applications relevant to the DOD, in energy, the environment, electronics, health, and more. The quantum microscope will employ an optically-interrogated electronic spin qubit consisting of a nitrogen vacancy (NV) color center located just a few nanometers from the surface of a robust diamond probe, which will allow the detection and imaging of weak magnetic fields with nanometer resolution. The sensor consists of a monolithic diamond cantilever with a diamond pillar sticking out and containing a single NV center at its end. Such sensors have been developed already in the Yacoby and Walsworth labs as part of a current DOD-sponsored MURI research program; and have been shown to have the desired sensitivity and resolution needed for the proposed quantum microscope. The construction and application of the quantum microscope also provides excellent training in experimental quantum and condensed matter physics for undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 06, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1510391
Entities
People
- Amir Yacoby
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Harvard University
- United States Army