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

Abstract

<p>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.</p>