Diamond Quantum Sensing Platform

Quantum technologies takes advantage of the strange world of quantum mechanics where, for example, objects can exist in two places at once. This world typically occurs on the atomic level at low temperatures which has meant that technologies that exploit these properties have been challenging to implement and manufacture. Diamond is quickly becoming a leading quantum material due to the unique way quantum properties of impurities imbedded in diamonds crystal lattice can be controlled simply by the application of light. What is even more amazing is that, unlike other materials that require specialist cryogenic cooling, these quantum properties persist at room temperature making it possible to be widely deployable. These 'quantum defects' have the potential to be used for a range of applications such as measuring the magnetic fields emitted from molecules, enabling key understanding of the molecules composition for development of new medication. It also has the potential to detect different types of proteins which can provide information about the processes occurring in your body and allow the diagnosis of early diseases. Lastly it has applications in quantum computing which has the potential to solve problems no current computer can. Critical to the development of these technologies is to have the 'quantum defects' close to the surface of the diamond but retaining their unique quantum properties. This projects objective is develop a process to create near-surface quantum defects and therefore allow the further development of these revolutionary technologies.