The ability to map magnetic field distributions with high sensitivity and nanoscale resolution is of crucial importance for fundamental studies ranging from material science to biology, as well as for the development of new applications in spintronics and quantum technology. The Yacoby lab has developed a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) probe that provides an unprecedented combination of spatial resolution and magnetic sensitivity under ambient conditions. The monolithic diamond structure hosting a single NV is attached to the end of an atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilever.

For applications where one wants to measure weak magnetic fields with sub-micrometer resolution, this technology provides a simple to use, economic and room-temperature compatible platform that can be used on virtually any sample of interest. Unlike current methods of fabrication of tips requiring complex fabrication processes, the new sensor provides easy fabrication and integration onto commercial instruments. Applications for this technology include characterization of magnetic read/write heads in hard drives, current distribution in complex circuit networks, and temperature profiles of micro/nanoscale devices.

This work has been published in Applied Physics Letters