Fraunhofer IAF Develops High-Contrast Diamond Quantum Sensor

Researchers at Fraunhofer IAF have created a laser-enhanced quantum sensor using nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond that achieves 100% optical contrast. By integrating these centers directly into a laser cavity, the team improved the ratio of magnetic-field sensitivity to dynamic range by up to 590 times.

This breakthrough utilizes a coherent laser readout signal with power up to 50 mW, significantly outperforming conventional fluorescence-based methods. The technology, detailed in Nature Communications, offers a sensitivity below 400 fT/√Hz, promising advancements in medical diagnostics, navigation, and resource exploration.

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