Cross-correlated quantum thermometry using diamond containing dual-defect centers

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel cross-correlated quantum thermometry method using diamond with dual defect centers, enhancing temperature measurement accuracy at micro/nanoscale by mitigating perturbations.

Contribution

It develops the first all-optical cross-validation thermometry technique using NV and SiV centers in diamond, improving robustness against environmental perturbations.

Findings

Demonstrated reliable temperature measurement under varying magnetic fields.

Achieved real-time cross-validation for quantum thermometry.

Enhanced accuracy in complex environments like living cells.

Abstract

The contactless temperature measurement at micro/nanoscale is vital to a broad range of fields in modern science and technology. The nitrogen vacancy (NV) center, a kind of diamond defect with unique spin-dependent photoluminescence, has been recognized as one of the most promising nanothermometers. However, this quantum thermometry technique has been prone to a number of possible perturbations, which will unavoidably degrade its actual temperature sensitivity. Here, for the first time, we have developed a cross-validated optical thermometry method using a bulk diamond sample containing both NV centers and silicon vacancy (SiV) centers. Particularly, the latter allowing all-optical method has been intrinsically immune to those influencing perturbations for the NV-based quantum thermometry, hence serving as a real-time cross validation system. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, we have shown a trustworthy temperature measurement under the influence of varying magnetic fields. This multi-modality approach allows a synchronized cross-validation of the measured temperature, which is required for micro/nanoscale quantum thermometry in complicated environments such as a living cell.