Application laboratory quantum sensing

Quantum magnetometers for your application

Several quantum magnetometers based on diamond are available to enable partners from science and industry to evaluate the innovation potential of quantum sensors for their specific requirements. We are looking forward to getting to know potential users, their questions and project ideas!

We would be happy to keep you informed about our application laboratory quantum sensing. Please contact us: quantum@iaf.fraunhofer.de

Widefield magnetometer setup of Fraunhofer IAF
© Fraunhofer IAF
The widefield magnetometer provides a unique compromise between spatial resolution and measurement time.

Nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond

NV centers are individual atomic systems that act as highly sensitive sensors. Their unique advantage is their potential to be operated at room temperature and on background fields. They allow for extremely high spatial resolution and are being utilized in different imaging measurement methods.

  • Widefield magnetometry provides a unique compromise between spatial resolution and measurement time. It allows for the quantitative imaging of magnetic fields and fluctuations.
  • Scanning probe quantum magnetometers allow to measure magnetic field distributions at the nanoscale.
  • Laser threshold magnetometers are currently being developed and will enable measurements of the smallest magnetic fields, such as those generated by brain waves at room temperature and on background fields.
  • Radio-frequency (RF) sensors with optical readout are being developed that analyze the time-frequency behavior of complex, agile RF signals.

Quantum magnetometer offered at the application laboratory

Close up of  the wide-field magnetometer
© Fraunhofer IAF
The wide-field magnetometer was specially developed at Fraunhofer IAF and is suitable for fast and quantitative measurements in industrial applications.

Wide-field magnetometer

The wide-field magnetometer was specially developed at Fraunhofer IAF and uses a diamond plate with a homogeneous layer of NV centers. It measures magnetic fields over a large sample area in a very short time, making it suitable for fast and quantitative measurements in industrial applications. The widefield magnetometer does not require calibration and can be used for the characterization and optimization of ferromagnetic materials as well as for applications in biomedicine.

Technical specifications

Sensitivity:                     < 10 µT/√Hz
Spatial Resolution:         ± 1 µm
Measurement Area:      40 x 40 µm2 up to 1 x 1 mm2
Measurement Time:     seconds to minutes
Protocols:                       ODMR, Iso‑B, Quench, pulsed
Manufacturer:               In-house production of Fraunhofer IAF

 

Close up of the QSM scanning probe microscope from QZabre
© Fraunhofer IAF
With the QSM scanning probe microscope from QZabre, pulsed measurements can be performed to non-destructively image magnetic field distributions at the atomic level.

Scanning Probe Magnetometer

High-resolution scanning probe magnetometers use diamond tips with a single NV center. This offers the unprecedented opportunity to measure and image magnetic field distributions at the atomic level, which were previously inaccessible with available methods. Example use cases include the representation of the current flows of micro- and nanoelectronic circuits in high resolution. Two scanning probe magnetometers from different manufacturers are available for measurements at the application laboratory.

Technical specifications

Sensitivity:                     < 5 µT/√Hz
Spatial Resolution:        ≈ 35 nm
Measurement Area:      85 x 85 x 15 µm up to 100 x 100 x 15 µm
Measurement Time:     minutes to hours
Protocols:                      ODMR, Iso‑B, Quench, pulsed, AFM, MOKE
Manufacturer:               Qnami, QZabre

Interactive and easy to use: the virtual application laboratory for quantum sensing

© Fraunhofer IAF
quantum magnetometer
© Fraunhofer IAF
The highly sensitive ProteusQ scanning probe magnetometer from Qnami is one of three magnetometer in the virtual application laboratory for quantum sensing. It uses diamond tips with a single NV center for precise measurements

In addition to the on-site testing facilities, a virtual version of the application laboratory for quantum sensor technology is available to industry and research: This information platform contains comprehensive specialist knowledge and offers the opportunity to independently explore the field of quantum sensor technology and assess solutions for specific application scenarios.

The virtual application laboratory includes three quantum magnetometers and offers detailed technical information and explanations of the different measuring principles of the systems. At the heart of the application laboratory are the interactive measurements, which illustrate measurement scenarios from the fields of materials testing, micro- and nanoelectronics and biomedicine.

Companies and institutions have the opportunity to assess the advantages and application potential of the devices for their specific needs. In addition, a website provides extensive information on quantum sensor technology and its potential applications. Professional contacts from the fields of research and technology transfer are available to share their expertise and provide advice.

Further information

Quantum sensing at Fraunhofer IAF

Find all information on quantum sensing research at Fraunhofer IAF here.

Virtual AppLab Quantum Sensing

Visit our virtual application lab for quantum sensing!

Our services

We offer you a wide range of services along the value chain, which you can find out about here.