Sensitivity Optimization for NV-Diamond Magnetometry

TL;DR

This paper reviews methods to improve the sensitivity of NV-diamond magnetometers, focusing on enhancing spin coherence, readout fidelity, and material quality to approach theoretical limits.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of current and proposed strategies for sensitivity enhancement in NV-diamond magnetometry, highlighting promising research directions.

Findings

Improving spin dephasing time significantly boosts sensitivity.

Enhancing readout fidelity reduces measurement noise.

Optimizing diamond material properties can approach theoretical sensitivity limits.

Abstract

Solid-state spin systems including nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond constitute an increasingly favored quantum sensing platform. However, present NV ensemble devices exhibit sensitivities orders of magnitude away from theoretical limits. The sensitivity shortfall both handicaps existing implementations and curtails the envisioned application space. This review analyzes present and proposed approaches to enhance the sensitivity of broadband ensemble-NV-diamond magnetometers. Improvements to the spin dephasing time, the readout fidelity, and the host diamond material properties are identified as the most promising avenues and are investigated extensively. Our analysis of sensitivity optimization establishes a foundation to stimulate development of new techniques for enhancing solid-state sensor performance.