← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Through the manipulation of non-metal quantum spin defects implanted in silicon carbide (SiC) diodes the aim of this work was to provide sensors for a non-destructive, very low-SWaP magnetometry and thermometry with microscale resolution that would allow for deduction of chemical composition and H20 phase transition beyond current classical sensors. By utilizing GRC’s SiC infrastructure and quantum metrology development, we will develop the framework deploy low-SWaP, highly sensitive quantum sensor network technologies to for next generation science and technology and meet or exceed previous literature values. While values of 10’s of 𝑛𝑇∕√𝐻𝑧 in sensitivity have been demonstrated in far field measurement of external magnetic fields, dipole-dipole has not been demonstrated with such sensitivity. Through the support of the CIF award, we have been able to assemble and characterize Near-Zero field magnetometry apparatus using Electrically Detectable Magnetic Resonance (EDMR), develop magnetic resonance data analysis and control software, and optimize measurement procedures to measure sensitivities of the electron-nuclear hyperfine interaction of Phosphorus-implanted pn junction diode. This was a necessary step in understanding the electron dipole-dipole coupling between the material of measure essential for defect-based quantum sensing.
The Technology/Knowledge Gap of current sensors for magnetism suffer from the need of constant calibration, they are not suited to measure very close magnetic. Knowledge of defects in SiC for quantum technologies are far from understood and need further investigation. The State-of-the-Art of magnetometry lacks what is needed for dipole-dipole coupling (sensing) and spin-wave transduction (interconnects for quantum technology).
Fluxgate magnetometers are sensitive, but can not measure near-field and can not be used as a magnetic resonance spectrometer. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectrometers require cryogen cooling and need 1010-11 defect center for a usable signal. EDMR only needs 100’s to 1000 defect centers for a operational signal.
NV centers in diamond are useful for quantum technologies but requires optical integration (difficult and expensive) and can not be easily integrated into electronics. We developed a electrically detectable magnetic resonance (EDMR) apparatus with future capabilities drastically decreasing SWaP with integration of most systems on a single SiC wafer.
The potential benefit of this technology will providing a necessary physics/quantum chemistry testbed for fundamental of H20 transition in currently under construction icing science chamber at GRC. In the near term, sensors as future solutions for in situ chemical analysis on robotic explorers for planets and asteroids are possible. In the far term, quantum interconnects for between quantum computers and relays for quantum networks will be developed.
Overall, this provides sensors for a non-destructive, very low-SWaP chemical analysis with nanoscale resolution that would allow for deduction of chemical composition and phase beyond current sensors. This also provides a low-SWaP sensor network that would allow for simultaneous multipoint magnetic field measurements of asteroids and planetary bodies, currently unattainable through a single large satellite, via multiple quantum entangled small satellites.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.