Frequency limits of sequential readout for sensing AC magnetic fields using nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond

TL;DR

This study investigates the frequency-dependent sensitivity limits of AC magnetic field sensing using NV centers in diamond with sequential readout, highlighting the roles of Rabi frequency and optical repolarization.

Contribution

It experimentally characterizes the frequency limits of AC sensing with NV centers and provides a model describing the frequency dependence of sensitivity.

Findings

High-frequency limit set by Rabi frequency.

Low-frequency limit governed by optical repolarization duration.

Achieved maximum sensitivity of 229 pT/√Hz at 1 MHz.

Abstract

The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond have ability to sense alternating-current (AC) magnetic fields with high spatial resolution. However, the frequency range of AC sensing protocols based on dynamical decoupling (DD) sequences has not been thoroughly explored experimentally. In this work, we aimed to determine the sensitivity of ac magnetic field as a function of frequency using sequential readout method. The upper limit at high frequency is clearly determined by Rabi frequency, in line with the expected effect of finite DD-pulse width. In contrast, the lower frequency limit is primarily governed by the duration of optical repolarization rather than the decoherence time (T$_2$) of NV spins. This becomes particularly crucial when the repetition (dwell) time of the sequential readout is fixed to maintain the acquisition bandwidth. The equation we provide successfully describes the tendency in the frequency dependence. In addition, at the near-optimal frequency of 1 MHz, we reached a maximum sensitivity of 229 pT/$\sqrt{\mathrm{Hz}}$ by employing the XY4-(4) DD sequence.