Advancements in Solid-State Spin Quantum Sensors for Exploring Exotic Spin Interactions

In a groundbreaking development, a team of researchers led by Academician DU Jiangfeng from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has made significant strides in the exploration of exotic spin interactions. By utilizing solid-state spin quantum sensors based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, the team has successfully investigated these interactions at the microscale. This research, published in reputable scientific journals such as National Science Review, Physical Review Letters, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), provides valuable insights and experimental constraints on these interactions, offering new avenues for understanding fundamental questions beyond the standard model.

One of the key breakthroughs of this research lies in the team’s innovative use of diamond NV centers as quantum sensors to explore spin interactions between electrons and nuclei. By constructing high-sensitivity detectors, the researchers have extended the range of experimental searches to sub-micrometer scales, enabling precise measurements of various spin phenomena. This expansion of capabilities has opened up new frontiers in the field, with the potential to address fundamental questions that were previously unexplored.

To enhance the capabilities of the sensors, the research team focused on the electron spin growth process of a high-quality diamond NV ensemble. Through this advancement, the single-spin detector was transformed into an ensemble spin sensor, resulting in a significant improvement in detection accuracy. This breakthrough paves the way for further exploration of exotic spin interactions and provides researchers with more precise measurement tools for their investigations.

In addition to the improvements in detection accuracy, the team leveraged the advantages of single NV centers as atomic-scale sensors and combined them with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology and silicon-based nanofabrication. This interdisciplinary approach led to the creation of a scalable spin-mechanical quantum chip. The incorporation of MEMS technology allowed for the observation of constraints at distances smaller than 100 nanometers, improving the overall precision of the measurements by two orders of magnitude. This integration of different scientific disciplines demonstrates the team’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and utilizing cutting-edge technologies for the advancement of research.

The achievements of this research are not limited to the field of exotic spin interactions. The unique advantages offered by solid-state spin quantum sensors hold immense potential for multiple fundamental sciences. The insights gained from studying physics beyond the standard model using these sensors can have far-reaching implications in fields such as cosmology, astrophysics, and high-energy physics. The ability to investigate spin phenomena at the microscale opens up new possibilities for understanding the fundamental building blocks of the universe and exploring phenomena that were once inaccessible.

The research conducted by the team led by Academician DU Jiangfeng represents a significant breakthrough in the exploration of exotic spin interactions. The use of solid-state spin quantum sensors based on nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond has allowed for the investigation of these interactions at the microscale, expanding the range of experimental searches and providing valuable insights and constraints. The advancements in detection accuracy and the integration of MEMS technology have further enhanced the capabilities of these sensors, opening up new frontiers for exploration. The implications of this research extend beyond the specific field of exotic spin interactions and offer exciting prospects for multiple fundamental sciences. With the potential to inspire widespread interest and drive further scientific advancements, these advancements in solid-state spin quantum sensors represent a major milestone in our understanding of the universe.