Cross‐Correlated Quantum Thermometry Using Diamond Containing Dual‐Defect Centers

Abstract

Abstract The contactless temperature measurement at micro/nanoscale is vital to a broad range of fields in modern science and technology. The nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) center, a kind of diamond defect with unique spin‐dependent photoluminescence, is recognized as one of the most promising nanothermometers. However, this quantum thermometry technique is prone to a number of possible perturbations, which will unavoidably degrade its actual temperature sensitivity. Here, for the first time, a cross‐validated optical thermometry method is developed using a bulk diamond sample containing both NV centers and silicon‐vacancy (SiV) centers, achieving a sensitivity of 22 and 86 mK (√Hz)−1 respectively. Particularly, the latter has been intrinsically immune to those influencing perturbations for the NV‐based quantum thermometry, hence serving as a real‐time cross‐validation system. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, a trustworthy temperature measurement is shown under the influence of varying magnetic fields, which is a common artefact present in practical systems. This multi‐modality approach allows synchronized cross‐validation of the measured temperature, which is required for micro/nanoscale quantum thermometry in complicated environments such as a living cell.

Keywords

• cross‐validation
• diamond
• nitrogen‐vacancy center
• optical thermometry