Wednesday 26 November 2025
Scientists have developed a new method for detecting single spins in diamond, opening up possibilities for more precise and efficient sensing technologies.
The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre is a defect in diamond that has been widely used as a quantum sensor due to its ability to store and manipulate spin information. However, current methods of reading out this information are limited by the low photon collection efficiency and the need for bulky optical components.
To overcome these limitations, researchers have turned to photoelectric detection (PD), which uses electrical charges rather than photons to detect the spin state of the NV centre. This approach has been shown to be more efficient and scalable, but it requires a better understanding of how charge carriers are trapped and released in diamond.
The latest study reveals that by using a Schottky junction – where two metals with different work functions meet – scientists can trap electrical charges for extended periods of time. This allows them to read out the spin state of the NV centre more accurately and efficiently than previously possible.
The researchers used a combination of theoretical modeling and experimental measurements to understand how the charge carriers were trapped and released in diamond. They found that the Schottky junction played a crucial role in regulating the flow of electrical charges, allowing them to be stored for longer periods of time.
The new method has potential applications in a range of fields, including quantum computing, sensing, and imaging. For example, it could be used to create more sensitive magnetic sensors or to develop new techniques for imaging tiny structures at the nanoscale.
The study also highlights the importance of understanding the behavior of charge carriers in diamond, which is crucial for developing reliable and efficient sensing technologies. By better understanding how these charges are trapped and released, scientists can design more effective devices that take advantage of the unique properties of diamond.
In addition to its potential applications, the new method provides a valuable tool for researchers studying the behavior of NV centres. By being able to read out the spin state of individual NV centres with greater precision and accuracy, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of their properties and behavior.
The development of this new method is an important step forward in the field of quantum sensing, and it has the potential to lead to significant advances in our ability to detect and measure tiny changes in magnetic fields.
Cite this article: “Detecting Single Spins in Diamond with Greater Precision”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Diamond, Nitrogen-Vacancy Centre, Quantum Sensing, Spin Detection, Photoelectric Detection, Schottky Junction, Charge Carriers, Magnetic Sensors, Nanoscale Imaging, Quantum Computing.
