Towards ubiquitous radio access using nanodiamond based quantum receivers
At a Glance
Section titled âAt a Glanceâ| Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2025-03-31 |
| Journal | Communications Engineering |
| Authors | Qunsong Zeng, Jiahua Zhang, Madhav Gupta, Zhiqin Chu, Kaibin Huang |
| Institutions | University of Hong Kong |
| Analysis | Full AI Review Included |
Technical Documentation & Analysis: Nanodiamond Quantum Receivers for Ubiquitous Radio Access
Section titled âTechnical Documentation & Analysis: Nanodiamond Quantum Receivers for Ubiquitous Radio AccessâExecutive Summary
Section titled âExecutive SummaryâThis research validates the feasibility of using Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers in Fluorescent Nanodiamonds (FNDs) as robust quantum receivers for future 6G wireless communication systems.
- Core Value Proposition: Demonstration of a compact, multi-user quantum receiver leveraging the unique spin properties of NV centers in nanodiamonds to achieve high-fidelity signal demodulation.
- Multi-Access Capability: Successfully implemented a multiple access scheme enabling simultaneous detection and demodulation of signals from two separate transmitters, utilizing the heterogeneity of FND responses.
- Exceptional Fidelity: Achieved extremely low Bit Error Ratios (BERs), including 0% for amplitude modulation (AM) and 0.0657% for reference-free frequency modulation (FM) in optimized laboratory settings.
- Multi-Band Adaptability: Demonstrated tunable operation across a broad frequency range (2.7 GHz to 3.02 GHz) by applying external static magnetic fields, eliminating the need for band-specific RF antennas.
- Compact Implementation: A miniaturized prototype device was constructed (300 x 300 x 200 mm) with a low total power consumption of 1.87 W, proving immediate practical potential.
- Detection Mechanism: The system relies on Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance (ODMR) to convert incident microwave signals into distinguishable patterns of fluorescence intensity for signal processing.
Technical Specifications
Section titled âTechnical SpecificationsâThe following hard data points were extracted from the experimental results:
| Parameter | Value | Unit | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| NV Center Zero-Field Splitting (ZFS) Frequency | 2.87 | GHz | Ground state spin transition |
| Demonstrated Operating Frequency Range | 2700 to 3020 | MHz | Tunable multi-band communication capability |
| Best Bit Error Ratio (BER) Achieved | 0 | % | Amplitude Modulation (AM) |
| BER (Reference-Free FM, Recovered Images) | 0.0657 | % | Optimized two-user scenario |
| BER (Compact Device Prototype) | 1.08 | % | Overall BER for two B/W images |
| FND Sensitivity (ODMR) | 0.735 | ”T · Hz -1/2 | Sensitivity for detecting magnetic component |
| FND Particle Size Used | 100 | nm | Red FND-COOH |
| Field of View (FOV) | 75 x 75 | ”m | Area supporting up to 5 users |
| Magnetic Field Gradient Applied | 0.023 | G/”m | Used for reference-free signal decoupling |
| Compact Device Dimensions | 300 x 300 x 200 | mm | Prototype size |
| Total Power Consumption (Compact Device) | 1.87 | W | Camera (1.17 W) + Laser (0.7 W) |
| Potential Symbol Rate | 1 | Mega-symbols per second | Exceeds 5G NR standards (0.014-0.22 Msps) |
Key Methodologies
Section titled âKey MethodologiesâThe experimental demonstration relied on precise material preparation and quantum sensing techniques:
- Substrate Preparation: Coverslip substrate was treated using a UV-Ozone Cleaner (1.3 W for 10 minutes) to enhance surface hydrophilicity.
- FND Deposition: Commercially available 100 nm FNDs were dissolved (0.05 mg/ml), sonicated for 5 minutes, and then spin-coated onto the substrate (1500 r/min followed by 3000 r/min, repeated 10 times).
- RF Signal Generation: Two independent microwave signals were generated using a SynthHD source, controlled by an RF switch, and amplified for transmission.
- Quantum Detection: The core detection mechanism utilized Continuous Wave Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance (CWODMR) to map microwave frequency/amplitude changes onto fluorescence intensity.
- Optical Readout: FNDs were excited using a 532 nm green laser. Emitted fluorescence was collected via a home-built widefield microscope and captured by an Electron-Multiplying CCD (EMCCD) camera.
- Multi-Band Tuning: External static magnetic fields were applied to shift the NV center spin resonance frequencies (D ± γB), enabling operation in lower (2700-2776 MHz) and higher (2963-3020 MHz) bands.
- Signal Demultiplexing: Received fluorescence images were compared against reference images using the Minimum Mean Squared Error (MSE) criterion to identify and recover the transmitted bit-pairs.
6CCVD Solutions & Capabilities
Section titled â6CCVD Solutions & Capabilitiesâ6CCVD provides the foundational MPCVD diamond materials and advanced processing required to replicate, scale, and extend this cutting-edge quantum receiver research into practical 6G applications.
| Research Requirement | 6CCVD Material & Service | Technical Relevance & Sales Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| High-Purity Diamond Substrates (Essential for high-contrast NV centers) | Optical Grade Single Crystal Diamond (SCD). Thicknesses from 0.1”m up to 500”m. | Provides the highest purity and lowest intrinsic defect density, maximizing NV center coherence time and ODMR contrast. This directly translates to the high sensitivity (0.735 ”T · Hz -1/2) required for weak signal recovery in 6G. |
| Scalable Receiver Platforms (Required for large-area FND deposition) | Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) Wafers. Available in custom dimensions up to 125mm diameter. | Offers a cost-effective, scalable substrate for high-volume manufacturing of FND-based receivers, crucial for ubiquitous 6G deployment. Our PCD surfaces can be polished to Ra < 5nm for uniform spin-coating. |
| On-Chip Microwave Integration (Required for efficient RF excitation) | Custom Metalization Services. Internal capability for depositing Au, Pt, Pd, Ti, W, and Cu films. | Enables researchers to fabricate high-performance microwave structures (e.g., coplanar waveguides) directly onto the diamond surface, ensuring efficient delivery of the 2.87 GHz excitation signal and minimizing transmission loss. |
| Compact Device Integration (Prototype size 300 x 300 x 200 mm) | Custom Dimensions and Laser Cutting. Substrates available up to 10mm thick, with precise laser cutting for integration into miniaturized optical systems. | We provide diamond components tailored to exact specifications, facilitating the development of compact, robust, and integrated quantum sensing devices. |
| Advanced Quantum Sensing Research (Need for controlled NV ensembles) | Engineering Support & Material Consultation. Access to our in-house PhD material science team. | We assist researchers in optimizing diamond growth parameters (e.g., nitrogen concentration, post-growth annealing) to control NV center density and location, crucial for enhancing multi-user channel capacity and reference-free design. |
Engineering Support
Section titled âEngineering Supportâ6CCVD recognizes that the development of NV center-based quantum receivers for 6G requires highly specialized material engineering. Our in-house PhD team is prepared to assist clients with:
- Material Selection: Choosing the optimal SCD or PCD grade based on required NV density and coherence time for specific quantum sensing applications.
- Surface Preparation: Providing ultra-smooth polished surfaces (Ra < 1nm for SCD) necessary for high-quality FND deposition or direct NV layer growth.
- Custom Doping: Supplying Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) for related electrochemical or thermal management applications, if required for integrated circuitry.
For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly.