Detection of nuclear spins using diamond quantum sensors with the Heisenberg limit sensitivity

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19H02547
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 28020:Nanostructural physics-related
• Research Institution: Keio University
• Principal Investigator: Itoh Kohei 慶應義塾大学, 理工学部(矢上), 教授 (30276414)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 量子センシング / ダイヤモンド中窒素空孔欠陥 / 核磁気共鳴

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We developed and demonstrated a fundamental technology to increase the sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance measurements using a single electron spin localized at a nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond as a quantum sensor. We succussed implementation of a table-top measurement device capable of nuclear magnetic resonance, detection and quantum-control of single proton spins, and demonstration of an optimization method for spin readout based on a physical model published. As a method to increase the sensitivity scale, Bayesian estimation and FPGA-based instrument control methods were also developed.

Free Research Field

量子情報

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

単一陽子の検出/制御や、解析方法の工夫による感度向上などは、発光欠陥による量子センサーのポテンシャルを実証し、さらに引き上げる成果として意義がある。様々な分野の基礎研究で日常的に利用される現在のプロトン核磁気共鳴(NMR)や磁気共鳴イメージング(MRI)手法を、量子センサーによって従来法では達成不可能な単一分子/スピンレベルまで拡張できることをサポートする研究成果は学術的および社会的に意義深い。