Diamond-based optical vector magnetometer

TL;DR

This paper presents a high-resolution optical vector magnetometer using nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, capable of mapping magnetic fields with sub-micrometer resolution and high sensitivity for surface applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel solid-state magnetometer based on NV centers in diamond, demonstrating its construction and potential for high-resolution magnetic field mapping.

Findings

Successful construction of a prototype magnetometer

Demonstrated capability to map magnetic fields with sub-micrometer resolution

High sensitivity to magnetic fields near the surface of diamond

Abstract

We describe here the construction and characterization of a high-resolution optical magnetometer to measure the full vector magnetic field on an ultrathin layer near the surface of the device. This solid-state device is based on quantum sensors created by a layer of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers less than 20 nm below the surface of an ultrapure diamond. This ensemble of nanosensors provides a versatile device capable of mapping magnetic fields and surface current densities with a sub-micrometer resolution and high sensitivity, making it suitable for many applications. Here, we show a custom-built prototype to demonstrate an operating proof-of-concept device.