Lock-in thermography using diamond quantum sensors

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel lock-in thermography method utilizing nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond nanoparticles, enabling contactless, high-resolution thermal imaging of microscopic regions.

Contribution

It demonstrates the use of diamond quantum sensors for lock-in thermography, achieving micrometer resolution and direct temperature measurement without physical contact.

Findings

Successful visualization of thermal diffusion in glass and Teflon

Ability to measure temperature variations directly without contact

Visualization of micrometer-scale thermal behavior

Abstract

Precise measurement of temperature distribution and thermal behavior in microscopic regions is critical in many research fields. We demonstrate lock-in thermography using nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond nanoparticles. We successfully visualize thermal diffusion in glass coverslip and Teflon with micrometer resolution and deduce their thermal diffusivity. By spreading diamond nanoparticles over the sample surface, temperature variation can be measured directly without any physical contact, such as lead wires, making it possible to visualize the micrometer-scale thermal behavior of various materials.