Quantum Sensing in Micro-Architected Scaffolds

Area of Science:

• Quantum Science and Technology
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are powerful quantum sensors.
• Current bulk-crystal platforms limit sensor versatility due to fixed layouts.
• Advanced 3D microarchitectures are needed for complex sensing applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a versatile method for creating designer quantum sensors.
• To integrate NV-containing nanodiamonds onto 3D microstructures.
• To demonstrate 3D sensing capabilities in complex microarchitectures.

Main Methods:

• Surface-functionalization of multiphoton lithography microstructures with NV nanodiamonds.
• Fabrication of a 150 μm gyroid structure with millions of attached nanodiamonds.
• Volumetric imaging using refractive index matching confocal microscopy and ODMR spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Successful attachment of NV nanodiamonds to a complex 3D gyroid structure.
• Volumetric imaging and spectral analysis of nanodiamonds within the 3D architecture.
• Demonstrated ensemble temperature sensing with a sensitivity of 0.548 ± 0.084 K/√Hz.

Conclusions:

• Surface-functionalization offers a versatile route to designer quantum sensors.
• 3D microarchitectures with NV nanodiamonds enable advanced sensing.
• This approach opens possibilities for multimodal sensing in complex 3D environments.