Single Molecule Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Microscopy for Complex Spin Systems

Project Information

4D-NMR

Grant agreement ID: 101099676

DOI

10.3030/101099676

Project closed

EC signature date 10 January 2023

Start date 1 April 2023

End date 31 March 2026

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 2 947 627,38

EU contribution

€ 2 947 627,38

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITAT LINZ
Austria

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - 4D-NMR (Single Molecule Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Microscopy for Complex Spin Systems)

Reporting period: 2023-04-01 to 2024-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The overarching goal of our project is to pioneer the development of a single-molecule Magnetic Resonance Microscopy technology, enabling the visual identification of the 3D-chemical structure of any molecule and tracking their dynamics in four dimensions (4D). This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy by transforming it into an imaging technique with sub-molecular spatial resolution.

Our approach involves leveraging the exceptionally high 3D resolution capabilities of scanning probe microscopies (SPM), which can operate across various environments from ultra-high vacuum (UHV) to liquid. Additionally, by employing synchronized magnetic pulse excitation, we aim to incorporate the dynamics of the sample as the fourth dimension.

This transformation of NMR from a bulk measurement technique involving large ensembles of atoms to an imaging technique with sub-molecular resolution represents a groundbreaking advancement. It opens up a new avenue for interpreting resonance spectra of complex molecules and materials at the nano-scale, facilitating the identification of individual contributions within the integral signal typically measured by conventional NMR.

The ability to operate this technology in-situ in liquid environments holds particular significance for applications in life science, materials science, and chemical fields, where processes involving small amounts of chemical or biological molecules need to be detected.

Furthermore, unlike commercial NMRs that typically operate at high magnetic fields and are expensive, our developed technology will be based on simple and inexpensive electronic components. This design approach ensures that the technology will be easily accessible as an add-on for existing SPMs in the future, democratizing access to advanced NMR capabilities.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

We've made progress on developing hardware platforms for single-spin NMR using STM noise spectroscopy in UHV. Front-ends have been created for signal acquisition, and RF matching circuits with variable band-pass filtering have been developed to suppress interference.
Additionally, we've been working on hardware platforms for GHz absorption spectroscopy SPM in liquid environments. We've studied two alternative implementations: a conservative approach using an arbitrary waveform generator and a vector network analyzer, and a low-cost approach using a software-defined radio or similar telecom sub-systems.
In the context of implementing an RF-pulse-SPM for magnetic GHz absorption spectroscopy, we've established a magnetic setup for localized RF-SPM characterization and tested it with magnetic materials and microfabricated structures. This setup has demonstrated excellent sensitivity in detecting local magnetic absorption effects in the GHz range, high metrological precision and spatial resolution, and measurement consistency and repeatability. Additionally, we've developed and integrated a magnetic generator with the setup, enabling signal readout in multiple frequency ranges (DC, kHz, GHz) and facilitating pulsed mode magnetic excitation.
Moving forward, we'll utilize this novel instrumentation to test its capability to detect NMR at the single-spin level using both simple and complex materials, including functional spin molecules and selected 1D and 2D magnetic materials, either in UHV or in liquid media. We have focused on synthesizing and characterizing a variety of materials for further characterization using the developed instrumentation in the project.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

First results indicate successful detection molecular NMR spectroscopy paving the way for the single-molecule Magnetic Resonance Microscopy technology capable of identifying 3D-chemical structures and tracking dynamics. The technique could revolutionize NMR spectroscopy. This transformation into an imaging technique with sub-molecular resolution will redefine how complex molecular spectra are interpreted at the nano-scale. Operating in various environments from UHV to liquid, coupled with synchronized magnetic pulse excitation, opens new avenues for understanding molecular behavior. Particularly relevant for life science, materials science, and chemical applications, its cost-effectiveness makes it accessible, democratizing advanced NMR capabilities. Overall, this project promises significant advancements in NMR spectroscopy, with implications for scientific research and technological innovation.