Phosphorus doped quantum diamond for magnetometry

Advent Diamond proposes to advance space-based magnetic field sensors by developing novel diamond nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center magnetometry components with electrical readout. This work uses recent breakthroughs in CVD-grown doped diamond and its use in all-diamond diamond components. In this project, we leverage these breakthroughs to develop NV centers embedded in diamond electronic devices for space-based magnetometry, and study two designs, one with photo-excitation and electric readout, the other for all-electric excitation and readout. In Phase II, we build upon the successful Phase I feasibility study, in which we manufactured prototype components, demonstrated growth of the material PQuantumDiamondTM, and measured the optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) and photo-resistance detected magnetic resonance (PDMR) signal. The PDMR results shows sharp dips, validating the use of this approach for high magnetic field sensitivity. Phase II work will raise the TRL of this material and the components, and will include prototyping of an instrument based on the component.

Precise magnetic field measurements play a critical role in many NASA missions, and are used for planetary, magnetospheric, and interplanetary field mapping and characterization, including for indirect detection of liquid water, and on robotic instruments to measure magnetic features of materials on planetary surfaces. Thus, innovations which can bring higher sensitivity, more compact, and lower power magnetometers to spacecraft instrumentation can play a large role in future NASA missions. In addition, the development of a hybrid semiconductor-quantum device can open up other quantum technologies beyond magnetic field sensing. Magnetic field sensors are also widely used in non-NASA applications, supporting the commercialization. These include applications in defense, medical imaging, and scientific instruments. Future technologies enabled by this component further include improved magnetic field mapping for navigation in GPS contested environments, and other potential mass market applications. We anticipate additional spin-out technology based on hybrid semiconductor-quantum devices to be applicable to a wide range of niche and mass market applications.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.