Opportunities for diamond quantum metrology in biological systems

Abstract

Sensors that harness quantum mechanical effects can enable high sensitivity and high spatial resolution probing of their environment. The nitrogen-vacancy defect in diamond, a single, optically accessible electronic spin, is a promising quantum sensor that can operate in soft and living systems and provides nanoscale spatial resolution when hosted inside a diamond nanoparticle. Nanodiamond quantum sensors are nontoxic, amenable to surface functionalization, and can be introduced into a variety of living systems. The optical readout of the spin provides detailed information about the local electromagnetic and thermal environment in a noninvasive way. In this Perspective, we introduce the different modalities that nanodiamond quantum sensors offer, highlight recent progress in quantum sensing of biological systems, and discuss remaining challenges and directions for future efforts.

Solid-State Color Centers for Single-Photon Generation

“…The relative scarcity of competing manufacturers is still limiting the development of this research field due to the large costs of bulk samples with respect to the alternative solid-state platforms. Conversely, an ample commercial availability of nanodiamond powders derived from industrial usage [208] is boosting the research in quantum sensing at the nanoscale [209,210]. This approach could be exploited to develop hybrid photonic platforms integrating single-photon sources embedded in nanodiamonds [211,212].…”

Simultaneous Nanorheometry and Nanothermometry Using Intracellular Diamond Quantum Sensors

“…Among the many approaches to nanoscale sensing in biological systems that are currently being explored, nanoparticles provide a platform which enables robust optical intracellular sensing. ,− Nanodiamonds containing nitrogen-vacancy centers (NV) are one of the leading candidates: their properties include stable photoluminescence (PL), minimal cytotoxicity at high concentrations, , amenability to surface functionalization, and robustness against changes in pH . The ground-state spin transition that is utilized for sensing can be effectively uncoupled from background fluorescence fluctuations, enabling NV measurements to be unaffected by local changes in the optical environment.…”