Multiparametric sensing with the nitrogen-vacancy color center in diamond

Year: 2026

Authors: Advena L., Sorgwe T., Sledz F., Agio M., Flatae A.M.

Autors Affiliation: Univ Siegen, Lab Nanoopt, D-57072 Siegen, Germany; Univ Siegen, C Res Ctr Micro & Nanochem & Bio Technol, D-57068 Siegen, Germany; Natl Res Council CNR, Natl Inst Opt INO, I-50125 Florence, Italy.

Abstract: Modern sensing applications increasingly require the simultaneous measurement of multiple physical parameters with high sensitivity. However, traditional sensors often suffer from cross-sensitivity to different variables, making it difficult to separate overlapping effects, such as those caused by temperature and magnetic fields, in complex environments. This challenge highlights the need for robust multiparametric sensors capable of independently and accurately monitoring diverse conditions in real time. In this context, nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond present a promising solution. These atomic-scale defects can be optically initialized, manipulated, and read out via laser excitation using optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR), and they can operate under ambient and harsh conditions. In this work, we demonstrate a simultaneous and internally cross-validated sensing platform capable of detecting both magnetic fields and temperature with a sensitivity of around 500 nT/root Hz and 10 mK/root Hz, respectively. Our method integrates ODMR, zero-phonon line spectral shifts, and linewidth broadening, each providing independent spectral signatures sensitive to distinct physical effects. This approach enhances measurement precision, enables internal consistency checks, and decouples intertwined phenomena such as temperature-induced variations in magnetization. The demonstrated technique significantly expands the functional capabilities of NV-based sensors, advancing their potential for high-precision metrology in complex environments.

Journal/Review: APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS

Volume: 128 (3)      Pages from: 34002-1  to: 34002-9

More Information: The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the University of Siegen, Germany, and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) (Project Id: 57703716/2024). Instrumentation support from the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Italy, is also acknowledged. The authors thank Dr. Stefano Lagomarsino and colleagues for performing the proton implantation and thermal annealing of the sample.
KeyWords: Temperature-dependence; Spin
DOI: 10.1063/5.0300868