Microscopic-scale magnetic recording of brain neuronal electrical activity using a diamond quantum sensor

Area of Science:

• Quantum sensing
• Neuroscience
• Biophysics

Background:

• Solid-state quantum sensors offer sensitivity exceeding classical devices.
• Diamond color centers are sensitive magnetic field detectors using fluorescence.
• Diamond's biocompatibility enables sensing in biological samples, including temperature and biomagnetic fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate microscopic-scale recording of electrical activity from neurons in living brain tissue using a quantum sensor.
• To investigate neuronal action potential propagation and in situ pharmacology in mouse corpus callosum axons.
• To establish a passive and remote sensing technique for neural circuits.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a quantum sensor based on diamond color centers.
• Recorded weak magnetic fields induced by ionic currents in mouse corpus callosum axons.
• Employed coherent control using microwaves for magnetic field detection.

Main Results:

• Accurately recovered signals from neuronal action potential propagation.
• Demonstrated in situ pharmacology, showing the sensor's utility in drug studies.
• Achieved passive and remote recording of neural electrical activity, avoiding direct sample interaction.

Conclusions:

• The quantum sensor enables microscopic recording of neuronal signals in fragile living brain tissue.
• This non-invasive technique offers a promising new avenue for studying neural circuits and disease mechanisms.
• The results open prospects for microscopic imaging of electrical activity in the living mammalian brain.