Spin-based quantum light microscopy as novel imaging tool for magnetism and nanoscience

• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas ; Biophysics ; Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 491229782

In recent years, spin-based quantum light microscopy (SQLM) emerged as an extremely sensitive technology to measure various physical quantities especially magnetic fields. Nitrogen vacancy (NV) color centers in diamond are stable, atomically small probes for SQLM. To obtain nanoscale resolution in imaging, the sample under investigation is imaged using a scannable NV center which is kept closer than typically 100 nm to the sample surface (scanning probe imaging). Commercial, fully integrated systems realizing imaging with such scanning NV centers became available in 2020. We here apply for a commercial SQLM system. Using this system, we will significantly broaden the range of applications of SQLM and exploit novel sensing approaches using color centers. We will image magnetic dynamics especially spin waves down to the nanoscale. We will address various material systems including magnetic insulators (YIG), printable magnetic materials and heterostructures. We will furthermore employ the SQLM system to advance color center-based sensing by investigating novel sensor approaches using optical near fields, nanodiamonds embedded into waveguides and by extending SQLM to defect centers in silicon carbide. We will apply SQLM to novel systems like spin-crossover complexes and exploit using SQLM in the life sciences. We will thus foster interdisciplinary cooperation and strengthen the main research topics at TU Kaiserslautern. Our research efforts are supported by the state research center OPTIMAS at TU Kaiserslautern, e.g., via organizing two workshops to form a strong, collaborative network between researchers using SQLM allover Germany. The SQLM system will be integrated in a new state-of-the-art research facility, the laboratory for advanced spin engineering (LASE) at TU Kaiserslautern to ensure efficient operation and interdisciplinary research approaches.

• DFG Programme: Major Instrumentation Initiatives
• Major Instrumentation: SQLM microscopy system
• Instrumentation Group: 5040 Spezielle Mikroskope (außer 500-503)
• Applicant Institution: Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau
• Leader: Dr. Elke Neu-Ruffing