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Nanoscale electrical conductivity imaging using a nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond
Amila Ariyaratne1, Dolev Bluvstein1, Bryan A Myers1
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
Nature Communications
|June 21, 2018
Summary
This study introduces a new nanoscale conductivity imaging technique using nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. This method provides quantitative, non-invasive imaging of electrical conductivity with high spatial resolution.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Materials science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Electrical conductivity reveals crucial material physics.
- Existing imaging techniques have limitations in resolution and invasiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a nanoscale, quantitative, and non-invasive conductivity imaging technique.
- To leverage nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond for this purpose.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) defect in diamond as a scanning probe.
- Monitoring NV spin relaxation rates to detect magnetic fluctuations from thermal electron motion.
- Implementing spin-to-charge conversion for enhanced readout speed.
Main Results:
- Achieved nanoscale spatial resolution (40 nm) for conductivity imaging.
- Demonstrated a 25-fold increase in imaging speed.
- Successfully imaged conductivity in nanopatterned metallic conductors.
Conclusions:
- NV-based conductivity imaging offers a novel approach for condensed matter research.
- This technique provides insights into material properties at the nanoscale.
- Potential applications include imaging nanoscale phase separation in complex oxides.
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