Single molecule NMR detection and spectroscopy using single spins in diamond

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the theoretical feasibility of detecting and performing NMR spectroscopy on single molecules using a single NV centre in diamond, achieving nanoscale resolution at room temperature.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical framework for single-molecule NMR detection with NV centres, including optimization strategies for sensitivity and resolution.

Findings

Single-molecule NMR detection possible within seconds.

Nanometer spatial resolution achievable.

Method effective in low and inhomogeneous magnetic fields.

Abstract

Nanomagnetometry using the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre in diamond has attracted a great deal of interest because of the combined features of room temperature operation, nanoscale resolution and high sensitivity. One of the important goals for nano-magnetometry is to be able to detect nanoscale nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in individual molecules. Our theoretical analysis shows how a single molecule at the surface of diamond, with characteristic NMR frequencies, can be detected using a proximate NV centre on a time scale of order seconds with nanometer precision. We perform spatio-temporal resolution optimisation and also outline paths to greater sensitivity. In addition, the method is suitable for application in low and relatively inhomogeneous background magnetic fields in contrast to both conventional liquid and solid state NMR spectroscopy.