School of Physics - Theses
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ItemNanoscale quantum sensing using nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond( 2012)Devices that detect and spatially image magnetic fields are important in many areas of study including chemistry, electronics, materials science and biology. By extending the boundaries of what is currently achievable we may begin to explore areas previously inaccessible to science, such as wide-field imaging of neuron signaling or structural determination of single molecules. Here we present experimental progress towards the development of a nanoscale magnetic sensor operating under ambient conditions using the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre in diamond. This thesis describes the construction of a lab-built, confocal microscope capable of detecting single NV centres, with additional microwave control for coherent manipulation of the NV spin. The feasibility of using NV-diamond for real-time detection of the action potential generated by a neuron, and with high spatial resolution is experimentally demonstrated. The quantum coherence of single NV spins is monitored in various chemical solutions, and detection of nanoscale magnetic environments external to the diamond are demonstrated. This work sets the experimental foundation for using manufactured single quantum systems as sensitive probes of external chemical environments. In addition, the first measurements of single quantum coherent spins inside living cells are performed with NV centres in nanodiamonds. These studies on NV centres inside living cells demonstrate their promise as magnetic sensors for biology. Furthermore, alternative quantum sensing technologies emerge including rotational tracking of nanodiamonds and enhanced identification of fluorescent nanoparticles.