Advanced Circuits for Detection and Control of Diamond Quantum Sensors

Project Information

ACDC_Q

Grant agreement ID: 101189875

DOI

10.3030/101189875

EC signature date 14 November 2024

Start date 1 January 2025

End date 31 December 2028

Funded under

• Digital, Industry and Space

Total cost

€ 5 939 902,75

EU contribution

€ 4 999 864,38

Coordinated by

INTERUNIVERSITAIR MICRO-ELECTRONICA CENTRUM
Belgium

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ACDC_Q (Advanced Circuits for Detection and Control of Diamond Quantum Sensors)

Reporting period: 2025-01-01 to 2025-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The general objective of the ACDC_Q project is to advance diamond quantum sensors from laboratory experiments to prototypes demonstrated in relevant environments. To achieve this goal, the project focuses on developing compact, fully integrated diamond sensors that deliver performances comparable to devices constructed on an optical table. These sensors are based on the photoelectric detection of NV centres magnetic resonances (PDMR), a technique which was pioneered and developed by members of the consortium in previous EU projects. Sensor prototypes will be developed towards commercial applications in magnetometry, including mobile platforms for marine surveillance, non-destructive evaluation (NDE) and space magnetometers. These prototypes will be validated in relevant environment and be calibrated to primary standards.

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

During the first year of the project, ACDC_Q completed significant work toward the development of compact fully integrated diamond quantum sensors. Notable advances were made in the optimization of the different technological components required for photoelectrically readout diamond sensing devices. Optimized PECVD diamond layers, including ultra-pure and nitrogen-doped materials with controlled NV concentrations, were obtained. Different types of electrical contacts were developed and their performances for PDMR detection were evaluated. Microwave delivery structures for NV spin control were designed and tested. Major steps were taken toward the integration of components for the development of compact photoelectrically readout diamond sensing modules. The architecture for the first variant of the quantum vector magnetometer was defined. A draft printed circuit board design has been initiated, and all components have been specified and tested. The design of an integrated photocurrent detector chip has also been finalized, and this chip is currently in production. Requirements for deployment of the compact diamond magnetometer on a mobile platform for maritime applications were established, enabling to define the target specifications for dimensions, bandwidth, power consumption and sensitivity. Requirements for testing of the developed PDMR-based sensor for non destructive evaluation (NDE) applications were also discussed. Project partners carried out numerous activities for the dissemination of the project results, including the participation to various national and international conferences. An article was published in a scientific journal, and several other publications were submitted. An initial technology-to-market transition plan was established. To enlarge the scope of applications, external specialists were contacted to form an Industry Advisory Board. In parallel, activities related to regulation, standardization, and certification advanced through participation in a dedicated standardization working group.

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)

The results beyond the state of the art obtained during the first year of the project include:
- The synthesis of PECVD-grown diamond layers with a controlled concentration of NV centers.
- The in-depth characterization of the composition and spin properties of as-grown and electron-irradiated diamond layers using a combination of complementary techniques, enabling to determine the effects of irradiation and annealing on diamond properties.
- The investigation of the physical properties of graphitic electrodes on diamond, demonstrating that they operate as Schottky contacts and allow the generation of high photocurrent signals as well as PDMR contrasts the ODMR contrast.
- The definition of the system architecture for the first version of the integrated diamond sensor, along with the selection and testing of all required components.
- The design of the first version of a low-noise integrated photocurrent detection (IPCD) chip.
- The development of a calibration protocol to determine the NV-to-surface distance using current-carrying platinum wires.
- The preparation of a first tech-to-market plan identifying paths for the transition from technology to market of NV quantum sensors, with an initial focus on non-destructive evaluation, space applications, and maritime magnetometry.