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Advanced Science

Widefield Diamond Quantum Sensing with Neuromorphic Vision Sensors (Adv. Sci. 2/2024)

Zhiyuan Du, Madhav Gupta, Feng Xu, Kai Zhang, Jiahua Zhang, Yan Zhou, Yiyao Liu, Zhenyu Wang, Jörg Wrachtrup, Ngai Wong, Can Li, Zhiqin Chu

Published Jan 1, 2024• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

Widefield Diamond Quantum Sensing In article number 2304355, Ngai Wong, Can Li, Zhiqin Chu, and co-workers employ a neuromorphic vision sensor to facilitate widefield diamond quantum sensing by converting variations in fluorescence intensity of diamond defects into spikes. This approach closely mimics the functionality of the human visual system, and thus significantly compresses data volume and minimizes latency. The present advancement offers novel perspectives for high-precision, low-latency quantum sensing, providing potential opportunities for integration with upcoming memory devices to develop intelligent quantum sensors.

DOI
10.1002/advs.202470013

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Widefield Diamond Quantum Sensing In article number 2304355, Ngai Wong, Can Li, Zhiqin Chu, and co-workers employ a neuromorphic vision sensor to facilitate widefield diamond quantum sensing by converting variations in fluorescence intensity of diamond defects into spikes. This approach closely mimics the functionality of the human visual system, and thus significantly compresses data volume and minimizes latency. The present advancement offers novel perspectives for high-precision, low-latency quantum sensing, providing potential opportunities for integration with upcoming memory devices to develop intelligent quantum sensors.
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Widefield quantum diamond microscopy (WQDM) based on Kohler illumination has been widely adopted in the field of quantum sensing; however, practical applications are still limited by issues such as unavoidable photodamage and unsatisfied spatial-resolution. Here, we design and develop a super-resolution-enabled WQDM using a digital micromirror device (DMD)-based structured illumination microscope. With the rapidly programmable illumination patterns, we have first demonstrated how to mitigate phototoxicity when imaging nanodiamonds in cell samples. As a showcase, we have performed the super-resolved quantum sensing measurements of two individual nanodiamonds not even distinguishable with conventional WQDM. The DMD-powered WQDM presents not only excellent compatibility with quantum sensing solutions, but also strong advantages in high imaging speed, high resolution, low phototoxicity, and an enhanced signal-to-background ratio, making it a competent tool for applications in demanding fields such as biomedical science.
Quantum optical sensing has evolved from isolated solid state spin defect platforms to increasingly bio-integrated systems designed for biomedical applications. This review presents a perspective on this transition, spanning nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond to emerging fluorescent protein based spin qubits. Advances in diamond fabrication have enabled photonic cavities, nanomechanical resonators, and microstructured devices that enhance spin photon interactions and room temperature sensitivity. Exploration of spin defects in alternative materials further expands the sensing landscape. Parallel progress toward biological compatibility includes chip based architectures for in vitro and in vivo studies, microfluidic integration, and minimally invasive nanodiamond probes capable of intracellular nanothermometry and nanorheometry. Improvements in surface functionalization have enhanced coherence and sensing reliability in complex environments. Collectively, these advances highlight the progress and remaining challenges toward application oriented quantum sensing for the life sciences.
Quantum sensing aims to detect signals with unparalleled sensitivity, potentially surpassing classical limitations. Solid-state spin defects, particularly nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, have emerged as promising platforms due to their long coherence time, optical addressability, high field sensitivity, and spatial and spectral resolution, making them ideal for sensing and imaging applications. Their compact size and robust performance under room temperature and ambient conditions further enhance their suitability for real-world applications. We provide an overview of quantum sensing principles and explore efforts to improve sensor functionality, including advanced sensing protocols, spatial imaging techniques, and integration with optical systems to enhance detection efficiency. We also highlight recent progress in the applications of these sensors across various use cases, including biomedical diagnostics, semiconductor device inspection, and industrial and military applications.
Deploying nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond as nanoscale quantum sensors for condensed matter and materials physics requires placing the NV centers close to the sensing target. One solution is to fabricate diamond nanostructures and integrate them with materials and devices. However, diamond etching and ion milling can introduce subsurface damage and surface defects that degrade the charge stability and spin coherence of NV centers near the surface. Here we report a procedure for fabricating low-damage nanostructured diamond membranes, and we show that this fabrication scheme preserves the optical and spin properties of state-of-the-art shallow NV center quantum sensors, within nanometers of the diamond surface, while providing significant photonic enhancement. Furthermore, we demonstrate a pick-and-place transfer method, which enables integration with diverse sensing targets.