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Nanoscale electric-field imaging based on a quantum sensor and its charge-state control under ambient condition
Ke Bian1,2,3, Wentian Zheng1, Xianzhe Zeng1
1International Center for Quantum Materials, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China.
Nature Communications
|April 29, 2021
Summary
Researchers used nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond to achieve nanoscale electric-field mapping for the first time. This breakthrough enables precise imaging of electric fields and control of quantum sensor charge states.
Area of Science:
- Quantum sensing
- Nanoscale physics
- Materials science
Background:
- Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are established quantum sensors for magnetic fields.
- Nanoscale electric-field mapping remains a challenge due to weak NV-electric field coupling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To achieve nanoscale electric-field mapping using individual shallow NV centers.
- To demonstrate precise electric control of NV charge states.
Main Methods:
- Utilized shallow nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond as quantum sensors.
- Employed a qPlus-based atomic force microscope (AFM) with a sharp tip.
- Quantitatively imaged electric field contours with ~10 nm spatial resolution.
Main Results:
- Achieved quantitative nanoscale electric-field imaging using NV centers.
- Demonstrated electric control of NV charge state with sub-5 nm precision.
- Established a spatial resolution of approximately 10 nm for electric field mapping.
Conclusions:
- This work represents the first step towards nanoscale scanning electrometry with a single quantum sensor.
- Opens possibilities for quantitative nanoscale mapping of charge, electric polarization, and dielectric response in functional materials.
