Proton magnetic resonance imaging with a nitrogen-vacancy spin sensor

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates two-dimensional NMR imaging at nanometer resolution using a single nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond, showcasing potential for advanced 3D imaging of nanostructures and biomolecules.

Contribution

It introduces a novel NV center-based technique for high-resolution NMR imaging, surpassing traditional methods in sensitivity and spatial resolution.

Findings

Achieved 12 nm spatial resolution in NMR imaging

Successfully detected $^1$H NMR signals with a single NV center

Demonstrated potential for 3D imaging of complex nanostructures

Abstract

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging with nanometer resolution requires new detection techniques with sensitivity well beyond the capability of conventional inductive detection. Here, we demonstrate two dimensional imaging of $^1$H NMR from an organic test sample using a single nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond as the sensor. The NV center detects the oscillating magnetic field from precessing protons in the sample as the sample is scanned past the NV center. A spatial resolution of 12 nm is shown, limited primarily by the scan accuracy. With further development, NV-detected magnetic resonance imaging could lead to a new tool for three-dimensional imaging of complex nanostructures, including biomolecules.