DNA Origami Enables Programmable 2D Spin Arrays for Quantum Technologies and Sensing Applications

Controlling the arrangement of nanoscale materials represents a major hurdle in developing advanced quantum technologies, and researchers are now demonstrating a novel approach to precisely position individual spins. Zhiran Zhang, Taylor Morrison, Lillian Hughes, and colleagues, working at various institutions, successfully patterned programmable arrays of spins using DNA origami, a technique that folds DNA into precise shapes. The team demonstrates that this method allows for the controlled spacing of gadolinium spins, and crucially, preserves the delicate quantum properties of nearby nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond. This achievement enables the creation and study of ordered spin networks, opening up exciting possibilities for enhanced sensing, high-throughput proteomics, and ultimately, more powerful quantum simulations.

Diamond NV Centers for Sensitive Magnetic Sensing

Research utilizing diamond nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers has emerged as a powerful tool for quantum sensing, particularly in the detection of magnetic, electric, and thermal fields at the nanoscale. These defects within the diamond lattice possess unique quantum properties that allow for highly sensitive measurements across a range of disciplines, from materials science to biology. Scientists are actively exploring techniques to enhance sensor sensitivity through quantum phenomena like entanglement and squeezing, pushing the boundaries of detection limits. This research is driving innovation in areas such as nanoscale imaging, biomolecular detection, and the study of complex materials.

Current investigations focus on developing arrays of NV centers to expand sensing capabilities and exploring surface NV centers for improved sensitivity and access to external fields. Researchers are also employing dynamic nuclear polarization to amplify signals and investigating quantum illumination techniques to reduce noise. These advancements promise to unlock new possibilities in nanoscale magnetic resonance imaging and single-molecule detection, while also enabling the creation of advanced diamond nanomaterials and the integration of sensors with microfluidic devices. Machine learning algorithms are increasingly utilized to analyze complex data and optimize sensing performance, even in challenging environments where noise and interference are prevalent.

DNA Origami Guides Nanoscale Spin Arrays

Scientists have pioneered a novel method for assembling nanoscale spin networks by combining the self-assembling properties of DNA origami with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. This approach achieves precise spatial control over spin placement, functioning as a bottom-up structural framework with nanometer-scale precision. Researchers designed and folded a DNA scaffold into prescribed shapes using synthetic DNA staples, effectively defining the architecture of the spin arrays. This technique allows for the controlled positioning of chelated gadolinium (Gd) spins, verified by observing a direct relationship between the proximity of NV centers and the engineered number of Gd spins per origami unit.

Crucially, DNA origami robustly functionalizes the diamond surface with spins while preserving both the charge state and spin coherence of shallow NV centers, critical for maintaining quantum properties. This platform enables the immobilization of molecular spin labels with nanometer-scale proximity to NV sensors, creating opportunities for high-throughput proteomics and single-molecule magnetic resonance imaging. Researchers envision this hybrid platform for quantum simulation, creating strongly interacting spin networks capable of exploring complex quantum dynamics. This innovative combination of techniques offers a versatile and scalable route towards engineering complex quantum systems with unprecedented control over spin placement and interaction, potentially leading to entanglement-enhanced metrology and spin-squeezed states.

DNA Origami Controls Nanoscale Spin Arrays

Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in the controlled assembly of nanoscale spins using DNA origami and nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. This work demonstrates the creation and sensing of programmable two-dimensional arrays of spins with unprecedented precision. The team utilized DNA origami as a scaffold to position chelated gadolinium (Gd) spins, verifying a direct relationship between the number of Gd spins per origami unit and changes in the relaxation rate of nearby NV centers. This confirms the ability to predictably space molecular spins using the DNA template. Measurements reveal minimal disruption to the diamond’s electronic structure following the application of DNA origami, preserving the functionality of the NV centers.

Researchers observed a decrease in the NV center’s relaxation time upon deposition of Gd-labeled origami, confirming the successful integration of spins. The team designed origami structures with up to 204 programmable binding sites, allowing precise control over spin density and spacing. Continuous-wave electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed successful Gd3+ labeling of the origami, demonstrating tunable control over the spin environment. The linear relationship between the engineered Gd3+ surface density and the NV relaxation rate confirms the predictable placement and sensing of individual spins, enabling high-resolution detection of the patterned spin arrays.

DNA Origami Controls Diamond Spin Arrays

This research demonstrates the successful integration of DNA origami with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, creating programmable two-dimensional arrays of spins with nanoscale precision. Scientists patterned gadolinium (Gd) spins using DNA origami as a scaffold, and then verified the controlled placement by observing a direct relationship between the number of Gd spins and changes in the relaxation rate of nearby NV centers. This approach preserves the sensitive quantum properties of the NV centers, enabling the creation of ordered spin networks for potential applications in sensing and simulation. The team highlights the unique ability of DNA origami to impose spatial order at this scale, resulting in measurable spin squeezing, a phenomenon indicating enhanced sensitivity beyond standard limits.

While acknowledging that imperfections slightly diminish this effect, the results clearly demonstrate the potential for entanglement-enhanced quantum metrology. Future work will focus on extending this platform to study many-body physics and functionalizing diamond surfaces for quantum sensing, including the integration of DNA origami with coherent molecular qubits and Gd-labeled aptamers for biosensing applications. The versatility of this method, being agnostic to spin species, opens possibilities for incorporating a wide range of molecular components into these patterned spin arrays.