Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026
08:53
Angle-resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy At Ultra-low Temperatures
Published on: October 9, 2012
18.3K
Zero- to ultralow-field J-spectroscopy with a diamond magnetometer
Muhib Omar1,2,3, Jingyan Xu4,5,6, Raphael Kircher7,8,9
1Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany. momar@uni-mainz.de.
Communications Chemistry
|March 6, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a compact, magnet-free platform for zero- to ultra-low-field (ZULF) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensing. It enables portable, noninvasive chemical detection in microscopic volumes using a diamond magnetometer and hyperpolarized signals.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Conventional high-field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) systems are bulky and face field inhomogeneity issues.
- Zero- to ultra-low-field (ZULF) NMR offers a solution by utilizing internal spin interactions in a magnet-free environment.
- Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond enable compact, portable NMR platforms with high spatial resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the detection of ZULF NMR signals using a diamond magnetometer.
- To showcase a magnet-free platform for noninvasive chemical sensing in microscopic volumes.
- To pave the way for portable diagnostic and sensing applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a truncated pyramid diamond with NV centers as a magnetometer.
- Employed signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) with parahydrogen-based hyperpolarization to generate NMR signals.
- Detected ZULF NMR signals at frequencies of a few hertz.
Main Results:
- Achieved sensor sensitivity of 13 pT/sqrt(Hz) at frequencies above 5 Hz.
- Successfully detected zero-field NMR signals at 1.7 Hz and 3.4 Hz for acetonitrile.
- Demonstrated a minimum stand-off distance of less than 1 mm.
Conclusions:
- A magnet-free platform for ZULF NMR detection has been successfully demonstrated.
- This technology enables chemically specific NMR signals for portable, noninvasive applications.
- Potential applications include micro-volume biomedicine and industrial sensing through metal enclosures.
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