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Lifetime-based ODMR in fluorescent nanodiamonds enables robust quantum sensing in biological medium solution
Junjie Lin1, Yan Liu2, Yujing Cao1
1State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China.
The Journal of Chemical Physics
|August 25, 2025
Summary
Lifetime-based quantum sensing using fluorescent nanodiamonds offers robust nanoscale temperature measurements in biological environments. This advanced technique overcomes noise limitations of traditional methods, enabling precise intracellular thermometry.
Area of Science:
- Quantum sensing
- Nanoscale science
- Biophysics
Background:
- Cellular thermogenesis involves nanoscale heat dissipation crucial for biological functions.
- Nitrogen-vacancy centers in fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) are used for quantum sensing.
- Conventional optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) using fluorescence intensity is susceptible to environmental noise in biological systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a robust nanoscale quantum sensing technique for biological environments.
- To overcome the limitations of intensity-based ODMR in complex media.
- To establish lifetime-based ODMR in FNDs as a superior method for intracellular thermometry.
Main Methods:
- Utilized nitrogen-vacancy centers in fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs).
- Employed lifetime-based optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR).
- Conducted comparative studies in dry, aqueous, and simulated body fluid environments.
Main Results:
- Lifetime-based ODMR demonstrated robust nanoscale measurements in aqueous and physiological environments.
- Spectral fidelity and contrast were preserved despite intensity fluctuations, unlike intensity-based methods.
- Precise temperature tracking under dynamic conditions was achieved, including characterization of microwave-induced thermal effects.
Conclusions:
- Lifetime-based ODMR in FNDs is a superior technique for nanoscale quantum sensing in complex biological media.
- This method overcomes environmental noise limitations of conventional intensity-based approaches.
- Enables future applications in intracellular thermometry and real-time biomolecular interaction studies.
