IMAGE: Diamond magnetometer with vacuum-nitrogen defects optically initiated using green laser light vision more
Credit: photo / ©: Arne Wickenbrock, JGU
Gaining a detailed understanding of magnetic structures is one of the main goals of solid state physics. Significant research is currently being conducted in this area, with the aim of developing future data processing applications that use tiny structures as information carriers. Physics at Johannes Gutenberg Mainz University (JGU) and the Helmholtz Mainz Institute (HIM) recently introduced a new method of study for magnetic structures combining two different methods. This allows the magnetization to be measured and mapped as well as the magnetic fields of the sample. The project involved atomic physics from the working group led by Professor Dmitry Budker and the team of solid state physicists led by Professor Mathias Kläui. The results have been published in “Applied Corporate Review“.
“In this project we combined two quantum sensing techniques that have never been used together to study a sample,” explained Till Lenz, the first author of the article and a doctoral candidate in the Budker group. in solid state physics using the magneto-optic Kerr effect (MOKE) to detect magnetic fields and magnetization. “But this gives us only a small amount of information,” Lenz said. researchers combine the Kerr effect with magnetometry methods that use so-called diamond color centers to allow the mapping of magnetic fields. ”Hopefully this will lead to new perspectives when it comes to solid state physics and ferromagnetic structures, “said Georgios Chatzidrosos, who is also a doctoral student in the Budker group. Professor Mathias Kläui is excited about the new measurement capabilities:” The use of probes diamonds provide sensitivity that opens up completely new options for measurement capabilities. “
New integrated measurement methods can be used in a wide range of different environmental settings
Diamond is not only a precious stone but is also used to make cutting and grinding tools. Specific defects in the diamond crystal surface lead to properties that can be used to study magnetic structures. These pigments, also known as nitrogen vacuums, are point deficiencies in the liquid structure of diamond carbon. The research group led by Professor Dmitry Budker uses these colored centers in diamonds as probes to measure magnetic onions.
Diamond-based magnetometers can operate at very low temperatures as well as temperatures above room temperature, and the required distances between a sample and a probe can be small, in the range of just a few nanometers. “We have a thin layer of nitrogen defects in a diamond crystal and with this we are able to map magnetic structures and photograph magnetic fields,” explained Dr. Arne Wickenbrock from the Budker group. And co-author Dr. Lykourgos Bougas: “By mapping every part of a magnetic field, we can add to and expand the possibilities offered by magneto-optic measurement.”
Support for JGU Dynamics and Topology Advanced Research Area (TopDyn)
“The probe that works with the help of diamond color centers is much more sensitive than conventional machines and gives us very good results. We are able to get to some interesting samples, which leads to unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, ”Professor Mathias Kläui stressed, outlining the benefit of the collaboration between the two research groups. “Combining our complementary measurement methods will allow a complete reconstruction of the magnetic properties of our samples.” The recently published article is the result of teamwork within the High Research Area. JGU-funded Dynamics and Topology (TopDyn) degree at the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. In addition, the work was also carried out under the auspices of the 3D MAGiC project, which was launched in collaboration with Forschungszentrum Jülich and Radboud Nijmegen University in the Netherlands and received the ERC Synergy Grant.
To the paper published in “Applied Corporate Review“:” Our concept represents a state-of-the-art platform for wide-ranging imaging of magnetization and magnetic fields resulting from magnetic structures using engineered diamond magnetic sensors and optical positioning that allows both measurement methods. “In addition to the work of both JGU and HIM. Organizations, also involved Professor Yannick Dumeige of Université de Rennes 1 in France, who was a recipient of the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Prize at the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. also working with the Budker group in 2018. Professor Kai-Mei Fu, a physicist at the University of Washington, had also participated in the project as a HIM Distinguished Visitor.
Looking to the future, the collaborative partners plan to use the new approach to explore various multidisciplinary aspects that are of particular interest to individual groups. These include the study of two-dimensional magnetic materials, the magnetic effects of molecular chirality, and superconductivity at high temperatures.
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