All-optical Magnetometer for Extreme Low-Temperature Environments using Nitrogen-Vacancy Center in Diamonds

This proposal outlines the development of a quantum magnetometer based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds. The magnetometer is designed for use in extreme space environments, including those with high radiation levels and temperatures as low as -240°C, without the need for protective housing. Leveraging the quantum properties of NV centers, this technology offers a compact, low power consumption solution with pT Hz -1/2 sensitivity. The technology is motivated by the need for instruments capable of operating under the harsh conditions of space exploration, such as on icy moons like Ganymede, which exhibits unique magnetic phenomena. Traditional magnetometers, such as fluxgates and atomic gas magnetometers, are limited by their size, power requirements, and need for continuous calibration, making them unsuitable for deployment on smaller spacecraft or in conditions requiring high precision without environmental protection. The proposed NV center-based quantum magnetometer addresses these limitations by utilizing the atomic-scale defects in diamonds, which offer absolute field sensitivity, operational stability across a broad temperature range, and resilience to radiation deterioration. The device employs an all-optical readout for magnetic field detection and dynamical decoupling pulse sequences to achieve longer T2 coherence times, allowing both AC and DC sensing. Phase I will inclue optimization the proposed quantum magnetometer through simulation tools and microscopic modeling to analyze noise, along with CAD development for the device prototype, which will be fabricated and testing under simulated extreme conditions in the subsequent phase. The proposed innovation will provide a robust, efficient, and precise instrument for in-situ measurements on long-term explorative missions.

The magnetometer's robustness in extreme temperatures and high-radiation environments is primarily useful for NASA’s planetary missions, especially those targeting icy moons such as Ganymede, Europa, and Titan. Its ability function without protective housing allows for direct, high-precision measurements of magnetic fields, contributing to research of these moons' subsurface oceans, geological composition, and potential habitability. A key feature of this magnetometer is its reliance on all-optical readout techniques facilitated by the properties of NV centers in diamonds. This approach effectively circumvents the limitations associated with electrical components and readouts that are typically impacted by temperature variations. Diamonds naturally are less susceptible to damage from cosmic rays and solar radiation due to the tightly bonded carbon lattice structure, which provides an advantage over less-resistant fluxgate and atomic vapor magnetometers. Given its small size, weight, and power (SWaP) characteristics, the magnetometer can also be easily integrated into the payloads of smaller spacecraft, including cubesats and nanosats. This opens avenues for cost-effective, distributed satellite missions to conduct detailed magnetic surveys of Earth's magnetosphere, monitor space weather, and study the interactions between the solar wind and planetary magnetic fields. The NV center-based quantum magnetometer will have broad applicability to NASA's science, exploration, and technology missions in any extreme environments. The NV center-based quantum magnetometer’s unique features, including high sensitivity, robustness in extreme environments, and compact size render it useful for applications outside of space exploration. This includes: Geoscience and Mineral Exploration: The device can be used for geophysical surveys, mineral exploration, and underground resource detection. Defense and Security: A low-temperature capable and compact magnetometer could be used in the detection of submarines, underground bunkers, and other hidden structures. Navigation and Positioning: The NV center magnetometer's precision can significantly improve the accuracy of inertial navigation systems, especially in GPS-denied environments such as underwater, deep underground, or in aviation. Healthcare and Biomedical Research: The technology's high sensitivity along with the biologically inert nature of diamonds allows possible applications to non-invasive diagnostics and imaging techniques.

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