APL quantum sensor could shrink NMR threat detection to laptop size

Johns Hopkins APL is developing a quantum sensing platform based on nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond that could replace bulky NMR spectrometers. A laptop-sized device would analyze samples of tens or hundreds of atoms to detect chemical and biological threats in the field.

• NV-center sensor in diamond works with samples of tens or hundreds of atoms
• Simulations show roughly an order-of-magnitude gain in NMR sensitivity
• Proof-of-concept already measures magnetic fields via NV spin states
• Goal is a laptop-sized device for field assessment of threats