System based approach to the design of tension sensing element made of modified diamond
At a Glance
Section titled âAt a Glanceâ| Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2020-12-31 |
| Journal | Civil Aviation High TECHNOLOGIES |
| Authors | Sergey Dianov, Đ.Đ. ĐĐŸĐČĐžŃĐșĐŸĐČ |
| Institutions | Moscow Aviation Institute, Moscow State Technical University of Civil Aviation |
| Analysis | Full AI Review Included |
Technical Documentation & Analysis: Quantum Diamond Sensing Elements
Section titled âTechnical Documentation & Analysis: Quantum Diamond Sensing ElementsâExecutive Summary
Section titled âExecutive SummaryâThis research details a system-based approach for designing miniature, high-reliability tension and vibration sensors (loadcells) utilizing Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers in modified diamond plates. This technology is critical for next-generation aerospace and robotics diagnostics requiring quantum-level precision and miniaturization.
- Core Application: Development of miniature, frequency-output loadcells for diagnosing complex technical systems (e.g., airframes, hydraulic systems) by sensing mechanical strain/vibration.
- Quantum Sensing Element: The sensor utilizes a modified Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) plate acting as a mechanical resonator, coupled with an embedded NV center serving as a secondary quantum transducer (q-bit).
- Operational Principle: Mechanical strain changes the natural frequency ($f_m$) of the diamond cantilever, which is then translated into a measurable energy gap change in the NV centerâs electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrum.
- Output Mechanism: The sensor generates photons or phonons, allowing direct, noise-immune data input into a quantum computer system, bypassing conventional analog-to-digital conversion.
- Material Requirement: Requires high-quality, modified diamond plates exhibiting superb spin coherence and high mechanical Q-factor (up to 5·107) to ensure reliable frequency output.
- Design Methodology: The design process integrates classical vibration sensor theory (calculating natural frequency based on shape, size, and fastening) with quantum mechanics (NV center manipulation via strain fields).
Technical Specifications
Section titled âTechnical Specificationsâ| Parameter | Value | Unit | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Modified Diamond | N/A | Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) with embedded NV centers |
| Youngâs Modulus (E) | 1.2·1012 | Pa | Elastic modulus of diamond |
| Density ($\rho$) | 3.51·103 | kg/m3 | Specific density of diamond |
| Poissonâs Ratio ($\mu$) | 0.07 | N/A | Material property for frequency calculation |
| High Q-Factor (Mechanical) | 5·107 | N/A | Observed for the diamond plate resonator |
| Excitation Wavelength | 532 | nm | Green laser used for spin polarization and readout |
| Energy Gap Frequency Range | 1·106 to 4·106 | Hz | Frequency range where the energy gap was detected ($\omega/2\pi$) |
| Example Beam Length ($l$) | 2·10-3 | m | Calculated length for the loadcell |
| Example Beam Width ($b$) | 5·10-4 | m | Calculated width for the loadcell |
| Example Beam Thickness ($a$) | 1·10-4 | m | Calculated thickness for the loadcell |
| Coherence Time (Strain Approach) | ~10-7 | sec | Sensitive element performance under mechanical strain |
| Coherence Time (Optical Readout) | ~10 | sec | Data storage time using confocal optical microscope detection |
Key Methodologies
Section titled âKey MethodologiesâThe design and operation of the modified diamond tension sensing element follow a systematic, multi-step process integrating material science, mechanical engineering, and quantum physics:
- NV Center Production:
- A Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) plate is modified to create Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers. This involves replacing a Carbon (C) atom with a Nitrogen (N) atom, and removing an adjacent C atom to create a vacancy (V).
- Resonator Design and Manufacturing:
- The required shape (e.g., rectangular, round, cantilever, V-shape plate) and dimensions ($h, d, l$) of the diamond plate are calculated based on the target natural frequency range ($f_m$) and the required measurement range of the input parameter (tension/pressure).
- The plate is manufactured and fastened appropriately (e.g., clamped ends, fixed edges).
- Vibration Excitation System:
- A specialized excitation system (e.g., using a piezo-element) is built to induce vibration in the diamond plate, either in free oscillation mode (requiring a starting pulse) or self-oscillation mode (requiring regenerative feedback).
- Quantum Transduction (NV Center Operation):
- The NV center is initialized using a green laser (532 nm) and manipulated using resonant microwave (MW) pulses.
- Mechanical strain on the diamond plate changes its flexural rigidity, which shifts the natural frequency ($f_m$).
- This frequency shift directly influences the NV centerâs electron spin resonance (ESR) energy gap.
- Data Readout:
- The quantum state (q-bit) is read out by measuring the fluorescence intensity of the NV center, a process known as Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance (ODMR).
- The output signal (photons or phonons) is detected by specialized detectors (e.g., microwave spectroscopy) and inputted directly into a quantum diagnostic computer.
6CCVD Solutions & Capabilities
Section titled â6CCVD Solutions & Capabilitiesâ6CCVD is uniquely positioned to supply the foundational material required to replicate and advance this critical research into NV-center based quantum sensors. Our expertise in high-purity MPCVD diamond growth and precision fabrication directly addresses the stringent requirements of quantum sensing applications.
Applicable Materials
Section titled âApplicable MaterialsâTo achieve the high spin coherence and mechanical stability required for NV-center quantum sensing, Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) is the essential material.
| 6CCVD Material | Specification | Relevance to NV Sensing |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Grade SCD | High purity, low defect density, ideal for NV creation. | Minimizes decoherence and maximizes spin lifetime (T2* and T2). |
| Custom SCD Thickness | Available from 0.1 ”m up to 500 ”m. | Crucial for fabricating thin, high-aspect-ratio cantilevers and plates (e.g., 100 ”m thickness cited in research). |
| High Polishing Finish | SCD surfaces polished to Ra < 1 nm. | Essential for minimizing surface defects that can introduce noise and strain, ensuring reliable mechanical resonance. |
Customization Potential
Section titled âCustomization PotentialâThe research emphasizes that the sensorâs performance depends critically on precise dimensions, shape, and fastening. 6CCVD offers full customization capabilities to meet these exact engineering requirements:
- Custom Dimensions and Shapes: We can produce diamond plates and wafers up to 125 mm in size, and precisely laser-cut custom shapes (rectangular beams, V-shape plates, cantilevers) to match the calculated natural frequency ($f_m$) required for specific load ranges.
- Precision Thickness Control: We guarantee thickness control necessary for defining the flexural rigidity ($k$) of the resonator, a key parameter in the sensorâs static characteristic equation ($f = f_m\sqrt{1+kx}$).
- Integrated Metalization Services: The methodology requires piezo-elements for excitation and potentially nearby antennas for microwave manipulation. 6CCVD offers in-house metalization services (Au, Pt, Pd, Ti, W, Cu) for depositing contact pads or thin-film structures directly onto the diamond surface, facilitating integrated excitation and readout systems.
Engineering Support
Section titled âEngineering SupportâThe successful implementation of this quantum loadcell requires deep knowledge of both diamond material properties (Youngâs modulus, density) and resonant system design.
- Consultation: 6CCVDâs in-house PhD team specializes in advanced diamond applications and can assist researchers and engineers with material selection, defect engineering (for optimal NV density), and structural design calculations for similar Aerospace Diagnostics and Quantum Sensing projects.
- Global Supply Chain: We ensure reliable, global shipping (DDU default, DDP available) of high-value SCD materials, supporting international research and development timelines.
For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly.
View Original Abstract
Modern and perspective tasks of robotics with control from artificial intelligence systems require the use of small-sized measuring devices. In this case, the intensively developed quantum sensors and quantum computers have a bright prospect. Their main advantage is the ability to successfully process the data of random processes with decomposition of complex functions into simple multipliers, as well as their small size and the ability to transmit data over long distances without wires. Data transmitted over quantum communication lines cannot be copied or intercepted, which is very useful for remote control of complex technical systems. Based on the results of the analysis of probabilistic noisy data quantum computer is able to quickly develop an assessment of the technical condition of the complex system. At the same time, there is no need to go through all the possible solutions to the evaluation problem with a huge amount of input data, some of which can sometimes be undefined. The main problem in the research of quantum processes is that researchers study the processes occurring in materials, but they do not indicate the ways in which quantum sensors and quantum computers are used in practical applications. This article explains how to form a measuring transformer that will be compatible with a quantum computer. The main objective of the study was to bring the results of basic research in the field of quantum computing closer to their application in applied tasks. It is shown how quantum processes can be shifted to the field of technical measurements of physical quantities used in complex systems. In the process of obtaining the results of the study, the hypothetical deductive method and the method of ascent from the abstract to the concrete within the framework of a systematic approach to the development of elements of technical systems were used. The result is a description of the processes of designing of tension sensing element made of modified diamond. The main findings of the study include the fact that quantum sensors implemented in the form of a modified diamond crystal are well described by the theory of measuring transducers with frequency output and can be used to get data about the state of an object.