Nanoscale NMR

Measure NMR signals of single molecules

NV Depth Calibration

NV depth calibration is one of the key applications of NV-based nuclear magnetic resonance (NV-NMR) spectroscopy. The statistic polarization of 1H spins emanating from the diamond surface absorbed water layer is detected utilizing a CPMG-type dynamic decoupling (DD) spectroscopy. By adjusting the delay τ between the π pulses to half periodicity of the Larmor precession of examined nuclear spins, the magnetic fluctuation, quantified as a root mean square value Brms​, can be detected. The NV depth, which correlates with the Brms​, is then extracted from an analytic expression

Dynamic Decoupling Spectroscopy
Initially, the NV center is optically polarized into the |0⟩ state. Subsequently, a π/2 pulse prepares it into a superposition state of |0⟩ and |-1⟩. A sequence of N equidistant π pulses is then applied to dynamically decouple the NV center from the environmental noise. A final π/2 pulse is employed to project the superposition state back to the Sz basis of the spin-1 operators, which is then read out by a laser pulse.

Investigating surface wettability

NV-NMR spectroscopy using a diamond probe detects highly localized ¹H signals, enabling nanometer-scale mapping of surface hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, overcoming the spatial limits of traditional macroscopic measurements. DD spectroscopy further allows direct quantification of nanoscale capillary meniscus formation, yielding high-resolution insights into interfacial wetting and capillary behavior.


The ability to map hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains at such a localized level is critical for developing advanced coatings, anti-icing surfaces, and biocompatible medical implants where surface interactions dictate performance.

NV-NMR for bio-material, polymers and more

DD spectroscopy with a scanning diamond probe resolves NMR signals at the nanometer scale, broadening NV-based quantum sensing to applications such as biomolecular analysis (DNA, RNA) and the structural characterization of monomers and polymers.


Beyond point-based spectral analysis, multinuclear detection marks a transition from NV-NMR spectroscopy to true nanoscale NV-MRI, translating distinct nuclear signals into spatially resolved images, a powerful mapping capability uniquely achievable with a scanning NV probe.

NV-NMR of PTFE
By applying specific DD sequences, the NV probe can selectively detect the 15N spins located internally within the diamond lattice, the 1H proton spin bath naturally adhering to the diamond surface, and the 19F nuclear spins originating from an investigated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) polymer sample.

Meet the Quantum Scanning Microscope (QSM) powering these breakthroughs

QSM