Electron paramagnetic resonance microscopy using spins in diamond under ambient conditions

Area of Science:

• Quantum physics
• Materials science
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Magnetic resonance spectroscopy is crucial for chemical and biomedical research.
• Conventional methods face sensitivity limitations, restricting imaging resolution to ~10 µm.
• Improving resolution often necessitates cryogenic and vacuum environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate high-resolution electron spin imaging using quantum control.
• To overcome sensitivity limitations of traditional magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
• To enable sub-micronmetre imaging in ambient conditions.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing an array of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond as quantum probes.
• Employing quantum control techniques for enhanced spin detection.
• Precisely tuning magnetic fields to resonate with target electron spins.
• Developing an electron paramagnetic resonance microscope.

Main Results:

• Achieved diffraction-limited spatial resolution for electron spin species.
• Demonstrated imaging over a 50 × 50 µm² field of view.
• Reached a spin sensitivity of 10⁴ spins per voxel (~100 zmol).
• Successfully imaged electronic spin species with sub-micronmetre resolution.

Conclusions:

• Quantum control of NV centers offers a powerful new approach for high-resolution electron spin imaging.
• This technique overcomes the environmental limitations of conventional methods.
• Enables advancements in electron spin resonance and zepto-chemistry for physical and life sciences.