Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new technology that can detect off-axis magnetic fields with high resolution, surpassing traditional diamond tips used in scanning probe microscopes. Led by Tongcang Li, a professor of physics and electrical and computer engineering, the team created one-dimensional boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) containing spin qubits, which are more sensitive and cost-effective than diamond tips.
The BNNTs have applications in quantum-sensing technology, the semiconductor industry, and nanoscale MRI. The researchers tested the system on a custom-built laboratory setup and found that it performed comparably to diamond tips, with potential for superior performance due to its smaller size. The team is now working to improve the spatial resolution and magnetic field sensitivity of the BNNT spin qubit system, which could enable quantum sensing of phenomena at the atomic scale.
Orientation-Independent Magnetic Field Sensing with Nanotube Spin Qubits
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a novel technology that enables the detection of off-axis magnetic fields at high resolution using one-dimensional boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) containing spin qubits. This innovation has the potential to surpass traditional diamond tips used in scanning probe magnetic-field microscopes.
The BNNTs, which are more cost-effective and resilient than brittle diamond tips, contain optically active spin qubits that can detect changes in magnetic fields at the atomic level. The technology has applications in quantum-sensing technology, the semiconductor industry, and nanoscale MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The researchers have disclosed their invention to the Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization, which has applied for patents to protect the intellectual property.
Sensitivity and Resolution of BNNT Spin Qubits
The BNNT spin qubits are more sensitive to detecting off-axis magnetic fields than traditional diamond tips. They can detect magnetic fields that are perpendicular to their axis, whereas diamond nitrogen-vacancy centers are primarily sensitive to fields that are parallel to their axis. The researchers have tested the system on a custom-built laboratory setup and found that it performed comparably to diamond tips.
The BNNTs’ spatially smaller size is expected to enable superior performance in the future. The researchers aim to improve the spatial resolution and magnetic field sensitivity of the BNNT spin qubit system, which could enable quantum sensing of phenomena at the atomic scale. This would allow for high-resolution scanning of surface magnetic properties, with applications in quantum science, memory storage, medical and semiconductor industries.
Quantum Sensing Applications
The BNNT spin qubits have the potential to revolutionize quantum-sensing technology by enabling the measurement of changes in magnetic fields at the atomic level. This could lead to breakthroughs in various fields, including quantum science, materials science, and biomedical imaging. The technology’s high sensitivity and resolution make it an attractive option for applications requiring precise magnetic field measurements.
The researchers’ invention has the potential to enable new discoveries in these fields by providing a powerful tool for measuring and analyzing magnetic fields at the atomic scale. With further development, the BNNT spin qubits could become a crucial component in the advancement of quantum technology.
Future Directions and Improvements
The Purdue researchers are working to improve the spatial resolution and magnetic field sensitivity of the BNNT spin qubit system. They aim to achieve superior performance by optimizing the design and fabrication of the BNNTs. The team is also exploring ways to integrate the BNNT spin qubits with other quantum systems, such as superconducting qubits or optical lattices.
The researchers believe that their invention has the potential to enable new discoveries in various fields and are committed to advancing the technology further. With continued funding and support, they expect to make significant progress in the development of BNNT spin qubits and their applications in quantum sensing and beyond.
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