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Photonic-integrated quantum sensor array for microscale magnetic localisation
Hao-Cheng Weng1, John G Rarity2, Krishna C Balram2
1Quantum Engineering Technology Labs, H. H. Wills Physics Laboratory and Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom. haocheng.weng@bristol.ac.uk.
Nature Communications
|May 28, 2026
Summary
This study integrates nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers with photonic circuits for scalable quantum sensing. The developed system achieves high-fidelity magnetic localization of microscale objects, paving the way for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Sensing
- Nanophotonics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers are versatile solid-state quantum sensors.
- Simultaneous use of multiple NV sensors enhances probing of complex fields and dynamics.
- Current methods often lack scalability and simultaneous, distinct readout.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a scalable architecture for multi-NV sensor operation.
- To demonstrate high-fidelity microscale magnetic localization using NV-ensemble sensors.
- To explore applications in dynamic tracking and magnetic field reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- Integration of NV-ensembles with silicon-nitride photonic integrated circuits.
- Development of a fiber-addressed, guided-wave, multi-channel architecture.
- Utilizing machine learning for multi-point magnetic field reconstruction.
- Simultaneous, distinct readout of eight localized NV-ensemble sensors.
Main Results:
- Achieved scalable operation of eight localized NV-ensemble sensors in an array.
- Demonstrated microscale magnetic localization of a 30 μm needle tip with sub-dimension error.
- Successfully tracked the needle tip dynamically with high fidelity.
- Quantified operating bounds for translation and rotation tracking via simulations.
Conclusions:
- The developed fiber-addressed, multi-channel architecture enables scalable NV-based magnetic localization.
- This approach offers a pathway towards magnetic sensing in optically inaccessible environments.
- The system provides simultaneous, distinct readout for advanced spatiotemporal correlation studies.
