Prof. Dr. Dominik Bucher
Academic Research Focus
- Quantum sensors for NMR spectroscopy
- Lab on a chip for life science applications
- Nano-scale NMR for surfaces
- Lab on a chip for life science applications
- Nano-scale NMR for surfaces
Fields of Application
Nanomaterials, Sensor Technology
Publications
12.
J P Leibold, N R Von Grafenstein, X Chen, L Müller, K D Briegel, D B Bucher
Time-space encoded readout for noise suppression and scalable scanning in optically active solid-state spin systems Journal Article
In: Phys. Rev. Appl., vol. 23, iss. 6, no. 064018, pp. 13, 2025.
@article{nokey,
title = {Time-space encoded readout for noise suppression and scalable scanning in optically active solid-state spin systems},
author = {J P Leibold and N R Von Grafenstein and X Chen and L M\"{u}ller and K D Briegel and D B Bucher},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevApplied.23.064018},
doi = {10.1103/PhysRevApplied.23.064018},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-06-06},
urldate = {2024-08-27},
journal = {Phys. Rev. Appl.},
volume = {23},
number = {064018},
issue = {6},
pages = {13},
abstract = {Optically active solid-state spin systems have been extensively studied in quantum technologies. We introduce a new readout scheme, termed “time-to-space” (T2S) encoding, which decouples spin manipulation from optical readout both temporally and spatially. This is achieved by simultaneously controlling the spin state within a region of interest, followed by rapid scanning of the optical readout position using an acousto-optic modulator. Time tracking allows the optical readout position to be encoded as a function of time. Using nitrogen-vacancy center ensembles in diamond, we demonstrate that the T2S scheme enables correlated experiments for efficient common-mode noise cancellation in various nano- and microscale sensing scenarios. Additionally, we show scalable multipixel imaging that does not require a camera and has the potential to accelerate data acquisition by several hundred times compared to conventional scanning methods. We anticipate widespread adoption of this technique, as it requires no additional components beyond those commonly used in experiments with optically adressable spin systems.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Optically active solid-state spin systems have been extensively studied in quantum technologies. We introduce a new readout scheme, termed “time-to-space” (T2S) encoding, which decouples spin manipulation from optical readout both temporally and spatially. This is achieved by simultaneously controlling the spin state within a region of interest, followed by rapid scanning of the optical readout position using an acousto-optic modulator. Time tracking allows the optical readout position to be encoded as a function of time. Using nitrogen-vacancy center ensembles in diamond, we demonstrate that the T2S scheme enables correlated experiments for efficient common-mode noise cancellation in various nano- and microscale sensing scenarios. Additionally, we show scalable multipixel imaging that does not require a camera and has the potential to accelerate data acquisition by several hundred times compared to conventional scanning methods. We anticipate widespread adoption of this technique, as it requires no additional components beyond those commonly used in experiments with optically adressable spin systems.
11.
J C Hermann, R Rizzato, F Bruckmaier, R D Allert, A Blank, D B Bucher
Extending radiowave frequency detection range with dressed states of solid-state spin ensembles Journal Article
In: npj Quantum Information, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 103, 2024, ISSN: 2056-6387.
@article{nokey,
title = {Extending radiowave frequency detection range with dressed states of solid-state spin ensembles},
author = {J C Hermann and R Rizzato and F Bruckmaier and R D Allert and A Blank and D B Bucher},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41534-024-00891-0},
doi = {10.1038/s41534-024-00891-0},
issn = {2056-6387},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-10-26},
journal = {npj Quantum Information},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {103},
abstract = {Quantum sensors using solid-state spin defects excel in the detection of radiofrequency (RF) fields, serving various applications in communication, ranging, and sensing. For this purpose, pulsed dynamical decoupling (PDD) protocols are typically applied, which enhance sensitivity to RF signals. However, these methods are limited to frequencies of a few megahertz, which poses a challenge for sensing higher frequencies. We introduce an alternative approach based on a continuous dynamical decoupling (CDD) scheme involving dressed states of nitrogen vacancy (NV) ensemble spins driven within a microwave resonator. We compare the CDD methods to established PDD protocols and demonstrate the detection of RF signals up to ~85 MHz, about ten times the current limit imposed by the PDD approach under identical conditions. Implementing the CDD method in a heterodyne/synchronized protocol combines the high-frequency detection with high spectral resolution. This advancement extends to various domains requiring detection in the high frequency (HF) and very high frequency (VHF) ranges of the RF spectrum, including spin sensor-based magnetic resonance spectroscopy at high magnetic fields.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Quantum sensors using solid-state spin defects excel in the detection of radiofrequency (RF) fields, serving various applications in communication, ranging, and sensing. For this purpose, pulsed dynamical decoupling (PDD) protocols are typically applied, which enhance sensitivity to RF signals. However, these methods are limited to frequencies of a few megahertz, which poses a challenge for sensing higher frequencies. We introduce an alternative approach based on a continuous dynamical decoupling (CDD) scheme involving dressed states of nitrogen vacancy (NV) ensemble spins driven within a microwave resonator. We compare the CDD methods to established PDD protocols and demonstrate the detection of RF signals up to ~85 MHz, about ten times the current limit imposed by the PDD approach under identical conditions. Implementing the CDD method in a heterodyne/synchronized protocol combines the high-frequency detection with high spectral resolution. This advancement extends to various domains requiring detection in the high frequency (HF) and very high frequency (VHF) ranges of the RF spectrum, including spin sensor-based magnetic resonance spectroscopy at high magnetic fields.
10.
K D Briegel, N R Von Grafenstein, J C Draeger, P Blümler, R D Allert, D B Bucher
Optical Widefield Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Microscopy Journal Article
In: arXiv preprint arXiv:2402.18239, 2024.
@article{nokey,
title = {Optical Widefield Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Microscopy},
author = {K D Briegel and N R Von Grafenstein and J C Draeger and P Bl\"{u}mler and R D Allert and D B Bucher},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-04-24},
journal = {arXiv preprint arXiv:2402.18239},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
9.
R Rizzato, N R Von Grafenstein, D B Bucher
Quantum sensors in diamonds for magnetic resonance spectroscopy: Current applications and future prospects Journal Article
In: Applied Physics Letters, vol. 123, no. 26, 2023, ISSN: 0003-6951.
@article{nokey,
title = {Quantum sensors in diamonds for magnetic resonance spectroscopy: Current applications and future prospects},
author = {R Rizzato and N R Von Grafenstein and D B Bucher},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0169027},
doi = {10.1063/5.0169027},
issn = {0003-6951},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-12-26},
journal = {Applied Physics Letters},
volume = {123},
number = {26},
abstract = {Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron spin resonance (ESR) methods are indispensable techniques that utilize the spin of particles to probe matter, with applications in various disciplines, including fundamental physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. Despite their versatility, the technique's sensitivity, particularly for NMR, is intrinsically low, which typically limits the detection of magnetic resonance (MR) signals to macroscopic sample volumes. In recent years, atom-sized magnetic field quantum sensors based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond paved the way to detect MR signals at the micro- and nanoscale, even down to a single spin. In this perspective, we offer an overview of the most promising directions in which this evolving technology is developing. Significant advancements are anticipated in the life sciences, including applications in single molecule and cell studies, lab-on-a-chip analytics, and the detection of radicals or ions. Similarly, NV-MR is expected to have a substantial impact on various areas in the materials research, such as surface science, catalysis, 2D materials, thin films, materials under extreme conditions, and quantum technologies.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron spin resonance (ESR) methods are indispensable techniques that utilize the spin of particles to probe matter, with applications in various disciplines, including fundamental physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. Despite their versatility, the technique's sensitivity, particularly for NMR, is intrinsically low, which typically limits the detection of magnetic resonance (MR) signals to macroscopic sample volumes. In recent years, atom-sized magnetic field quantum sensors based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond paved the way to detect MR signals at the micro- and nanoscale, even down to a single spin. In this perspective, we offer an overview of the most promising directions in which this evolving technology is developing. Significant advancements are anticipated in the life sciences, including applications in single molecule and cell studies, lab-on-a-chip analytics, and the detection of radicals or ions. Similarly, NV-MR is expected to have a substantial impact on various areas in the materials research, such as surface science, catalysis, 2D materials, thin films, materials under extreme conditions, and quantum technologies.
8.
R Rizzato, M Schalk, S Mohr, J C Hermann, J P Leibold, F Bruckmaier, G Salvitti, C Qian, P Ji, G V Astakhov, U Kentsch, M Helm, A V Stier, J J Finley, D B Bucher
Extending the coherence of spin defects in hBN enables advanced qubit control and quantum sensing Journal Article
In: Nature Communications, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 5089, 2023, ISSN: 2041-1723.
@article{nokey,
title = {Extending the coherence of spin defects in hBN enables advanced qubit control and quantum sensing},
author = {R Rizzato and M Schalk and S Mohr and J C Hermann and J P Leibold and F Bruckmaier and G Salvitti and C Qian and P Ji and G V Astakhov and U Kentsch and M Helm and A V Stier and J J Finley and D B Bucher},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-40473-w},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-023-40473-w},
issn = {2041-1723},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-08-22},
journal = {Nature Communications},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {5089},
abstract = {Negatively-charged boron vacancy centers ($$V_B^-$$) in hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) are attracting increasing interest since they represent optically-addressable qubits in a van der Waals material. In particular, these spin defects have shown promise as sensors for temperature, pressure, and static magnetic fields. However, their short spin coherence time limits their scope for quantum technology. Here, we apply dynamical decoupling techniques to suppress magnetic noise and extend the spin coherence time by two orders of magnitude, approaching the fundamental T1 relaxation limit. Based on this improvement, we demonstrate advanced spin control and a set of quantum sensing protocols to detect radiofrequency signals with sub-Hz resolution. The corresponding sensitivity is benchmarked against that of state-of-the-art NV-diamond quantum sensors. This work lays the foundation for nanoscale sensing using spin defects in an exfoliable material and opens a promising path to quantum sensors and quantum networks integrated into ultra-thin structures.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Negatively-charged boron vacancy centers ($$V_B^-$$) in hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) are attracting increasing interest since they represent optically-addressable qubits in a van der Waals material. In particular, these spin defects have shown promise as sensors for temperature, pressure, and static magnetic fields. However, their short spin coherence time limits their scope for quantum technology. Here, we apply dynamical decoupling techniques to suppress magnetic noise and extend the spin coherence time by two orders of magnitude, approaching the fundamental T1 relaxation limit. Based on this improvement, we demonstrate advanced spin control and a set of quantum sensing protocols to detect radiofrequency signals with sub-Hz resolution. The corresponding sensitivity is benchmarked against that of state-of-the-art NV-diamond quantum sensors. This work lays the foundation for nanoscale sensing using spin defects in an exfoliable material and opens a promising path to quantum sensors and quantum networks integrated into ultra-thin structures.
7.
F A Freire-Moschovitis, R Rizzato, A Pershin, M R Schepp, R D Allert, L M Todenhagen, M S Brandt, A Gali, D B Bucher
The Role of Electrolytes in the Relaxation of Near-Surface Spin Defects in Diamond Journal Article
In: ACS Nano, vol. 17, no. 11, pp. 10474-10485, 2023, ISSN: 1936-0851.
@article{nokey,
title = {The Role of Electrolytes in the Relaxation of Near-Surface Spin Defects in Diamond},
author = {F A Freire-Moschovitis and R Rizzato and A Pershin and M R Schepp and R D Allert and L M Todenhagen and M S Brandt and A Gali and D B Bucher},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.3c01298},
doi = {10.1021/acsnano.3c01298},
issn = {1936-0851},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-05-22},
journal = {ACS Nano},
volume = {17},
number = {11},
pages = {10474-10485},
abstract = {Quantum sensing with spin defects in diamond, such as the nitrogen vacancy (NV) center, enables the detection of various chemical species on the nanoscale. Molecules or ions with unpaired electronic spins are typically probed by their influence on the NV center’s spin relaxation. Whereas it is well-known that paramagnetic ions reduce the NV center’s relaxation time (T1), here we report on the opposite effect for diamagnetic ions. We demonstrate that millimolar concentrations of aqueous diamagnetic electrolyte solutions increase the T1 time of near-surface NV center ensembles compared to pure water. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of this surprising effect, single and double quantum NV experiments are performed, which indicate a reduction of magnetic and electric noise in the presence of diamagnetic electrolytes. In combination with ab initio simulations, we propose that a change in the interfacial band bending due to the formation of an electric double layer leads to a stabilization of fluctuating charges at the interface of an oxidized diamond. This work not only helps to understand noise sources in quantum systems but could also broaden the application space of quantum sensors toward electrolyte sensing in cell biology, neuroscience, and electrochemistry.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Quantum sensing with spin defects in diamond, such as the nitrogen vacancy (NV) center, enables the detection of various chemical species on the nanoscale. Molecules or ions with unpaired electronic spins are typically probed by their influence on the NV center’s spin relaxation. Whereas it is well-known that paramagnetic ions reduce the NV center’s relaxation time (T1), here we report on the opposite effect for diamagnetic ions. We demonstrate that millimolar concentrations of aqueous diamagnetic electrolyte solutions increase the T1 time of near-surface NV center ensembles compared to pure water. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of this surprising effect, single and double quantum NV experiments are performed, which indicate a reduction of magnetic and electric noise in the presence of diamagnetic electrolytes. In combination with ab initio simulations, we propose that a change in the interfacial band bending due to the formation of an electric double layer leads to a stabilization of fluctuating charges at the interface of an oxidized diamond. This work not only helps to understand noise sources in quantum systems but could also broaden the application space of quantum sensors toward electrolyte sensing in cell biology, neuroscience, and electrochemistry.
6.
F A Freire-Moschovitis, R Rizzato, A Pershin, M R Schepp, R D Allert, L M Todenhagen, M S Brandt, Á Gali, D B Bucher
Sensing Diamagnetic Electrolytes with Spin Defects in Diamond Journal Article
In: arXiv preprint arXiv:2301.04952, 2023.
@article{nokey,
title = {Sensing Diamagnetic Electrolytes with Spin Defects in Diamond},
author = {F A Freire-Moschovitis and R Rizzato and A Pershin and M R Schepp and R D Allert and L M Todenhagen and M S Brandt and \'{A} Gali and D B Bucher},
url = {https://arxiv.org/abs/2301.04952v1},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2301.04952},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-12},
journal = {arXiv preprint arXiv:2301.04952},
abstract = {Quantum sensing with spin defects in diamond, such as the nitrogen vacancy (NV) center, enables the detection of various chemical species on the nanoscale. Molecules or ions with unpaired electronic spins are typically probed by their influence on the NV-center's spin relaxation. Whereas it is well-known that paramagnetic ions reduce the NV-center's relaxation time T1, here we report on the opposite effect for diamagnetic ions. We demonstrate that millimolar concentrations of aqueous diamagnetic electrolyte solutions increase the T1 time of near-surface NV-center ensembles compared to pure water. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of this surprising effect, single and double quantum NV experiments are performed, which indicate a reduction of magnetic and electric noise in the presence of diamagnetic electrolytes. In combination with ab initio simulations, we propose that a change in the interfacial band bending due to the formation of an electric double layer leads to a stabilization of fluctuating charges at the interface of an oxygen-terminated diamond. This work not only helps to understand noise sources in quantum systems but also broadens the application space of quantum sensors towards electrolyte sensing in cell biology, neuroscience and electrochemistry.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Quantum sensing with spin defects in diamond, such as the nitrogen vacancy (NV) center, enables the detection of various chemical species on the nanoscale. Molecules or ions with unpaired electronic spins are typically probed by their influence on the NV-center's spin relaxation. Whereas it is well-known that paramagnetic ions reduce the NV-center's relaxation time T1, here we report on the opposite effect for diamagnetic ions. We demonstrate that millimolar concentrations of aqueous diamagnetic electrolyte solutions increase the T1 time of near-surface NV-center ensembles compared to pure water. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of this surprising effect, single and double quantum NV experiments are performed, which indicate a reduction of magnetic and electric noise in the presence of diamagnetic electrolytes. In combination with ab initio simulations, we propose that a change in the interfacial band bending due to the formation of an electric double layer leads to a stabilization of fluctuating charges at the interface of an oxygen-terminated diamond. This work not only helps to understand noise sources in quantum systems but also broadens the application space of quantum sensors towards electrolyte sensing in cell biology, neuroscience and electrochemistry.
5.
K S Liu, X Ma, R Rizzato, A L Semrau, A Henning, I D Sharp, R A Fischer, D B Bucher
Using Metal–Organic Frameworks to Confine Liquid Samples for Nanoscale NV-NMR Journal Article
In: Nano Letters, 2022, ISSN: 1530-6984.
@article{nokey,
title = {Using Metal\textendashOrganic Frameworks to Confine Liquid Samples for Nanoscale NV-NMR},
author = {K S Liu and X Ma and R Rizzato and A L Semrau and A Henning and I D Sharp and R A Fischer and D B Bucher},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c03069},
doi = {10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c03069},
issn = {1530-6984},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-12-08},
journal = {Nano Letters},
abstract = {Atomic-scale magnetic field sensors based on nitrogen vacancy (NV) defects in diamonds are an exciting platform for nanoscale nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The detection of NMR signals from a few zeptoliters to single molecules or even single nuclear spins has been demonstrated using NV centers close to the diamond surface. However, fast molecular diffusion of sample molecules in and out of the nanoscale detection volumes impedes their detection and limits current experiments to solid-state or highly viscous samples. Here, we show that restricting diffusion by confinement enables nanoscale NMR spectroscopy of liquid samples. Our approach uses metal\textendashorganic frameworks (MOF) with angstrom-sized pores on a diamond chip to trap sample molecules near the NV centers. This enables the detection of NMR signals from a liquid sample, which would not be detectable without confinement. These results set the route for nanoscale liquid-phase NMR with high spectral resolution.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Atomic-scale magnetic field sensors based on nitrogen vacancy (NV) defects in diamonds are an exciting platform for nanoscale nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The detection of NMR signals from a few zeptoliters to single molecules or even single nuclear spins has been demonstrated using NV centers close to the diamond surface. However, fast molecular diffusion of sample molecules in and out of the nanoscale detection volumes impedes their detection and limits current experiments to solid-state or highly viscous samples. Here, we show that restricting diffusion by confinement enables nanoscale NMR spectroscopy of liquid samples. Our approach uses metal–organic frameworks (MOF) with angstrom-sized pores on a diamond chip to trap sample molecules near the NV centers. This enables the detection of NMR signals from a liquid sample, which would not be detectable without confinement. These results set the route for nanoscale liquid-phase NMR with high spectral resolution.
4.
R D Allert, F Bruckmaier, N R Neuling, F A Freire-Moschovitis, K S Liu, C Schrepel, P Schätzle, P Knittel, M Hermans, D B Bucher
Microfluidic quantum sensing platform for lab-on-a-chip applications Journal Article
In: Lab on a Chip, vol. 22, no. 24, pp. 4831-4840, 2022, ISSN: 1473-0197.
@article{nokey,
title = {Microfluidic quantum sensing platform for lab-on-a-chip applications},
author = {R D Allert and F Bruckmaier and N R Neuling and F A Freire-Moschovitis and K S Liu and C Schrepel and P Sch\"{a}tzle and P Knittel and M Hermans and D B Bucher},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D2LC00874B},
doi = {10.1039/D2LC00874B},
issn = {1473-0197},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-11-10},
journal = {Lab on a Chip},
volume = {22},
number = {24},
pages = {4831-4840},
abstract = {Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) applications have emerged as invaluable physical and life sciences tools. The advantages stem from advanced system miniaturization, thus, requiring far less sample volume while allowing for complex functionality, increased reproducibility, and high throughput. However, LOC applications necessitate extensive sensor miniaturization to leverage these inherent advantages fully. Atom-sized quantum sensors are highly promising to bridge this gap and have enabled measurements of temperature, electric and magnetic fields on the nano- to microscale. Nevertheless, the technical complexity of both disciplines has so far impeded an uncompromising combination of LOC systems and quantum sensors. Here, we present a fully integrated microfluidic platform for solid-state spin quantum sensors, like the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond. Our platform fulfills all technical requirements, such as fast spin manipulation, enabling full quantum sensing capabilities, biocompatibility, and easy adaptability to arbitrary channel and chip geometries. To illustrate the vast potential of quantum sensors in LOC systems, we demonstrate various NV center-based sensing modalities for chemical analysis in our microfluidic platform, ranging from paramagnetic ion detection to high-resolution microscale NV-NMR. Consequently, our work opens the door for novel chemical analysis capabilities within LOC devices with applications in electrochemistry, high-throughput reaction screening, bioanalytics, organ-on-a-chip, or single-cell studies.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) applications have emerged as invaluable physical and life sciences tools. The advantages stem from advanced system miniaturization, thus, requiring far less sample volume while allowing for complex functionality, increased reproducibility, and high throughput. However, LOC applications necessitate extensive sensor miniaturization to leverage these inherent advantages fully. Atom-sized quantum sensors are highly promising to bridge this gap and have enabled measurements of temperature, electric and magnetic fields on the nano- to microscale. Nevertheless, the technical complexity of both disciplines has so far impeded an uncompromising combination of LOC systems and quantum sensors. Here, we present a fully integrated microfluidic platform for solid-state spin quantum sensors, like the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond. Our platform fulfills all technical requirements, such as fast spin manipulation, enabling full quantum sensing capabilities, biocompatibility, and easy adaptability to arbitrary channel and chip geometries. To illustrate the vast potential of quantum sensors in LOC systems, we demonstrate various NV center-based sensing modalities for chemical analysis in our microfluidic platform, ranging from paramagnetic ion detection to high-resolution microscale NV-NMR. Consequently, our work opens the door for novel chemical analysis capabilities within LOC devices with applications in electrochemistry, high-throughput reaction screening, bioanalytics, organ-on-a-chip, or single-cell studies.
3.
C Qian, V Villafañe, M Schalk, G V Astakhov, U Kentsch, M Helm, P Soubelet, N P Wilson, R Rizzato, S Mohr, A W Holleitner, D B Bucher, A V Stier, J J Finley
Unveiling the Zero-Phonon Line of the Boron Vacancy Center by Cavity-Enhanced Emission Journal Article
In: Nano Letters, vol. 22, no. 13, pp. 5137-5142, 2022, ISSN: 1530-6984.
@article{nokey,
title = {Unveiling the Zero-Phonon Line of the Boron Vacancy Center by Cavity-Enhanced Emission},
author = {C Qian and V Villafa\~{n}e and M Schalk and G V Astakhov and U Kentsch and M Helm and P Soubelet and N P Wilson and R Rizzato and S Mohr and A W Holleitner and D B Bucher and A V Stier and J J Finley},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c00739},
doi = {10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c00739},
issn = {1530-6984},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-06-27},
journal = {Nano Letters},
volume = {22},
number = {13},
pages = {5137-5142},
abstract = {Negatively charged boron vacancies (VB\textendash) in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) exhibit a broad emission spectrum due to strong electron\textendashphonon coupling and Jahn\textendashTeller mixing of electronic states. As such, the direct measurement of the zero-phonon line (ZPL) of VB\textendash has remained elusive. Here, we measure the room-temperature ZPL wavelength to be 773 ± 2 nm by coupling the hBN layer to the high-Q nanobeam cavity. As the wavelength of cavity mode is tuned, we observe a pronounced intensity resonance, indicating the coupling to VB\textendash. Our observations are consistent with the spatial redistribution of VB\textendash emission. Spatially resolved measurements show a clear Purcell effect maximum at the midpoint of the nanobeam, in accord with the optical field distribution of the cavity mode. Our results are in good agreement with theoretical calculations, opening the way to using VB\textendash as cavity spin\textendashphoton interfaces.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Negatively charged boron vacancies (VB–) in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) exhibit a broad emission spectrum due to strong electron–phonon coupling and Jahn–Teller mixing of electronic states. As such, the direct measurement of the zero-phonon line (ZPL) of VB– has remained elusive. Here, we measure the room-temperature ZPL wavelength to be 773 ± 2 nm by coupling the hBN layer to the high-Q nanobeam cavity. As the wavelength of cavity mode is tuned, we observe a pronounced intensity resonance, indicating the coupling to VB–. Our observations are consistent with the spatial redistribution of VB– emission. Spatially resolved measurements show a clear Purcell effect maximum at the midpoint of the nanobeam, in accord with the optical field distribution of the cavity mode. Our results are in good agreement with theoretical calculations, opening the way to using VB– as cavity spin–photon interfaces.
2.
R D Allert, K D Briegel, D B Bucher
Advances in nano-and microscale NMR spectroscopy using diamond quantum sensors Journal Article
In: arXiv preprint arXiv:2205.12178, 2022.
@article{nokey,
title = {Advances in nano-and microscale NMR spectroscopy using diamond quantum sensors},
author = {R D Allert and K D Briegel and D B Bucher},
url = {https://arxiv.org/abs/2205.12178},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2205.12178},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-05-24},
journal = {arXiv preprint arXiv:2205.12178},
abstract = {Quantum technologies have seen a rapid developmental surge over the last couple of years. Though often overshadowed by quantum computation, quantum sensors show tremendous potential for widespread applications in chemistry and biology. One system stands out in particular: the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond, an atomic-sized sensor allowing the detection of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals at unprecedented length scales down to a single proton. In this article, we review the fundamentals of NV center-based quantum sensing and its distinct impact on nano- to microscale NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, we highlight and discuss possible future applications of this novel technology ranging from energy research, material science, or single-cell biology, but also associated challenges of these rapidly developing NMR sensors.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Quantum technologies have seen a rapid developmental surge over the last couple of years. Though often overshadowed by quantum computation, quantum sensors show tremendous potential for widespread applications in chemistry and biology. One system stands out in particular: the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond, an atomic-sized sensor allowing the detection of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals at unprecedented length scales down to a single proton. In this article, we review the fundamentals of NV center-based quantum sensing and its distinct impact on nano- to microscale NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, we highlight and discuss possible future applications of this novel technology ranging from energy research, material science, or single-cell biology, but also associated challenges of these rapidly developing NMR sensors.
1.
K S Liu, A Henning, M W Heindl, R D Allert, J D Bartl, I D Sharp, R Rizzato, D B Bucher
Surface NMR using quantum sensors in diamond Journal Article
In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 119, no. 5, pp. e2111607119, 2022.
@article{nokey,
title = {Surface NMR using quantum sensors in diamond},
author = {K S Liu and A Henning and M W Heindl and R D Allert and J D Bartl and I D Sharp and R Rizzato and D B Bucher},
url = {https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2111607119 %X Many of the functions and applications of materials in catalysis, energy conversion, drug delivery, bioanalysis, and electronics are based on their interfacial properties and structures. The characterization of their molecular properties under ambient or chemically reactive conditions is a fundamental scientific challenge. Here, we develop a surface-sensitive magnetic resonance technique that combines the nanoscale-sensing capabilities of defects in diamond with a high precision and versatile protocol for diamond surface modification. We demonstrate the functionality of this method for probing the molecular properties and kinetics at surfaces and interfaces under ambient conditions. NMR is a noninvasive, molecular-level spectroscopic technique widely used for chemical characterization. However, it lacks the sensitivity to probe the small number of spins at surfaces and interfaces. Here, we use nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond as quantum sensors to optically detect NMR signals from chemically modified thin films. To demonstrate the method’s capabilities, aluminum oxide layers, common supports in catalysis and materials science, are prepared by atomic layer deposition and are subsequently functionalized by phosphonate chemistry to form self-assembled monolayers. The surface NV-NMR technique detects spatially resolved NMR signals from the monolayer, indicates chemical binding, and quantifies molecular coverage. In addition, it can monitor in real time the formation kinetics at the solid\textendashliquid interface. With our approach, we show that NV quantum sensors are a surface-sensitive NMR tool with femtomole sensitivity for in situ analysis in catalysis, materials, and biological research.},
doi = {doi:10.1073/pnas.2111607119},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-26},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences},
volume = {119},
number = {5},
pages = {e2111607119},
abstract = {NMR is a noninvasive, molecular-level spectroscopic technique widely used for chemical characterization. However, it lacks the sensitivity to probe the small number of spins at surfaces and interfaces. Here, we use nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond as quantum sensors to optically detect NMR signals from chemically modified thin films. To demonstrate the method’s capabilities, aluminum oxide layers, common supports in catalysis and materials science, are prepared by atomic layer deposition and are subsequently functionalized by phosphonate chemistry to form self-assembled monolayers. The surface NV-NMR technique detects spatially resolved NMR signals from the monolayer, indicates chemical binding, and quantifies molecular coverage. In addition, it can monitor in real time the formation kinetics at the solid\textendashliquid interface. With our approach, we show that NV quantum sensors are a surface-sensitive NMR tool with femtomole sensitivity for in situ analysis in catalysis, materials, and biological research.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
NMR is a noninvasive, molecular-level spectroscopic technique widely used for chemical characterization. However, it lacks the sensitivity to probe the small number of spins at surfaces and interfaces. Here, we use nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond as quantum sensors to optically detect NMR signals from chemically modified thin films. To demonstrate the method’s capabilities, aluminum oxide layers, common supports in catalysis and materials science, are prepared by atomic layer deposition and are subsequently functionalized by phosphonate chemistry to form self-assembled monolayers. The surface NV-NMR technique detects spatially resolved NMR signals from the monolayer, indicates chemical binding, and quantifies molecular coverage. In addition, it can monitor in real time the formation kinetics at the solid–liquid interface. With our approach, we show that NV quantum sensors are a surface-sensitive NMR tool with femtomole sensitivity for in situ analysis in catalysis, materials, and biological research.