Sensor for Measuring a Magnetic Field

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention is a sensor that measures magnetic fields using a diamond plate with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers. The sensor uses two sets of input ports and beam paths for two different types of laser light that intersect at various points within the diamond, where each intersection forms a 'sensor pixel.' These pixels detect changes in the magnetic field by monitoring changes in light absorption caused by the NV centers' magneto-optical properties under controlled microwave fields. The design allows for two-dimensional or three-dimensional mapping of magnetic fields with high spatial resolution.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and brain activity imaging in medical diagnostics
• Non-invasive mapping of weak magnetic fields in biological tissues
• Magnetic field sensing and imaging in materials science and physics research
• Integration into photonic chips for compact, high-resolution sensor arrays
• Detection of electric fields or temperature via extended analysis
• Industrial or environmental monitoring of weak magnetic fields in sensitive areas
• Quality control in manufacturing processes involving magnetic properties

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Does not require cryogenic cooling, unlike SQUID-based systems, allowing for more practical and cost-effective deployment
• Enables simultaneous or sequential multi-point (array) magnetic field measurements, providing spatial mapping
• Potential for low-cost manufacturing and scalable miniaturization, especially with photonic chip integration
• High spatial resolution due to dense array of sensor pixels formed by beam intersections
• Versatility to sense not only magnetic fields but also electric fields and temperature using further analysis
• Reduces system complexity and size compared to traditional magnetic sensors
• Can be designed with integrated optical fibers, lenses, and detectors for a compact and robust instrumentation

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Patent Abstract

An embodiment of the invention relates to a sensor comprising a sensor element (10) for measuring a magnetic field, the sensor element (10) comprising a set of at least two first input ports (I1), a set of at least two exit ports (E) each of which is connected to one of the first input ports (I1) via a corresponding first beam path (B1), a set of at least two second input ports (I2) each of which is connected to a second beam path (B2), wherein the first beam paths (B1) extend through a common plane (CP) located inside the sensor element (10), said plane (CP) comprising a plurality of magneto-optically responsive defect centers, wherein the second beam paths (B2) also extend through said common plane (CP), but are angled with respect to the first beam paths (B1) such that a plurality of intersections between the first and second beam paths (B2) is defined, and wherein each intersection forms a sensor pixel (P) located at at least one of said magneto-optically responsive defect centers.