Research projects

Improving functionalities of near-surface NV sensors (<10 nm depth):

One of our ongoing projects in quantum sensing focuses on enhancing the optical and spin properties of diamond-based nanoscale quantum sensors while developing a minimally invasive method for probing atomic-scale magnetic structures, their interactions, and dynamics. In a recent study published in Nano Letters, we demonstrated how controlled surface adsorption processes can improve the performance of near-surface quantum sensors in diamond. To further advance this research and to develop more robust near-surface quantum sensors for reliable operations under extreme experimental conditions—such as ultra-high vacuum and temperatures as low as 4 K—we are currently investigating various dielectric coatings on diamond substrates using atomic layer deposition (ALD).

Surface supported isolated spin systems

Stable near-surface quantum sensors are highly desired tools for non-invasie probing of surface-supported atomic-scale spin systems, which is at the core of our ongoing Emmy Noether project. The first experimental study in this research direction, proving the feasibility to measure EPR from single endofullerene molecule using such non-invasive magnetometry approach, has recently been published in Nature Commucations. 

Mapping stray magnetic fields and magnetic noise distribution

Another aspect of our current research involves two dimensional mapping of both static and dynamic magnetization profile of synthetic antiferromagnets, 2D van der Waals magnets, 2D superconductors, as well as nanoscale devices, using scanning probe NV magnetometer.

The key idea is to characterize their local nanoscale properties which if often obscured in conventional transport measurements. In the context of device characterization, for instance, we have very recently succeeded in mapping magnetic auto-oscillations in a nanoscale spin Hall nanooscillators using a scanning NV-magnetometer. This recent publication in Nano Letters, is the first direct experimental demonstration where we address major fundamental open questions regarding the formation and the nature of magnetic auto-oscillations in such devices, which are highly attractive as nanoscale microwave voltage and spin wave sources, as well as for neuromorphic computing hardware.