Nanomechanical sensing using spins in diamond

TL;DR

This paper explores the integration of nanomechanical sensors with quantum spin technology in diamond, proposing a new nano-spin-mechanical sensor (NSMS) with potential for advanced biological and chemical analysis.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of diamond-based nano-spin-mechanical sensors (NSMS) and evaluates their potential for mass spectrometry and force microscopy applications.

Findings

Predicted NSMS can image cellular biomechanics with high resolution

NSMS capable of detecting single macromolecule mass and distribution

Potential to combine multiple nanometrology modes for enhanced analysis

Abstract

Nanomechanical sensors and quantum nanosensors are two rapidly developing technologies that have diverse interdisciplinary applications in biological and chemical analysis and microscopy. For example, nanomechanical sensors based upon nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) have demonstrated chip-scale mass spectrometry capable of detecting single macromolecules, such as proteins. Quantum nanosensors based upon electron spins of negatively-charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond have demonstrated diverse modes of nanometrology, including single molecule magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Here, we report the first step towards combining these two complementary technologies in the form of diamond nanomechanical structures containing NV centers. We establish the principles for nanomechanical sensing using such nano-spin-mechanical sensors (NSMS) and assess their potential for mass spectrometry and force microscopy. We predict that NSMS are able to provide unprecedented AC force images of cellular biomechanics and to, not only detect the mass of a single macromolecule, but also image its distribution. When combined with the other nanometrology modes of the NV center, NSMS potentially offer unparalleled analytical power at the nanoscale.