Figure 1. Illustration of an experimental setup for pulsed optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR). The setup consists of a laser excitation source modulated by an acousto‐optic modulator (AOM) and synchronized with radio‐frequency (RF) pulses, which are analog‐modulated and delivered via an antenna. Photoluminescence from the sample is detected by either a single‐photon detector or a photodiode, depending on the signal intensity. The Pulse Streamer 8/2 provides precise timing, synchronization, and control of the RF pulses, enabling advanced ODMR experiments.
Optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) is a powerful technique widely used in quantum sensing, magnetic field measurement, and material analysis. By coupling optical and microwave signals, ODMR enables detailed investigation of the spin properties in atomic-scale defects, such as nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds or other solid-state materials, making it invaluable in fields ranging from quantum computing to biological imaging.
The technique exploits the spin-dependent fluorescence properties of specific quantum systems, which serve as sensitive probes of their environment. Recent advances have expanded ODMR to diverse platforms beyond NV centers in diamond, such as defects in silicon carbide (SiC) [1] and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) [2]. These systems broaden the scope of applications, ranging from ultra-high-fidelity radio-frequency sensing to nuclear spin polarization and control in 2D materials.
Critical experimental sequences, including Rabi oscillations, Ramsey interference, and Hahn Echo, expand the capabilities of pulsed ODMR by revealing the coherence, interaction, and decay dynamics of quantum states. For instance, these pulse sequences enable real-time monitoring of single charge dynamics [3] and omnidirectional magnetic field mapping at the nanoscale [4]. Such versatility makes ODMR a cornerstone of next-generation quantum sensing, delivering sub-nanometer spatial resolution and nanosecond temporal sensitivity.
In biological systems, ODMR has demonstrated its potential in probing complex environments, such as neuronal activity, through temperature variation measurements [5]. This capability opens up exciting possibilities for non-invasive imaging and diagnostics at the cellular level. Additionally, high-fidelity control of spin states, as shown with chromium ions in commercial silicon-carbide (SiC) [6], showcases the adaptability of ODMR to robust industrial and technological applications.
These techniques offer deep insights into how spin states interact with local magnetic, electric, and thermal environments at the nanoscale, enabling researchers to push the boundaries of quantum computation, material characterization, and high-resolution imaging. ODMR's continuous innovation promises to unlock new applications in fundamental science and practical technologies, positioning it as an essential tool in modern quantum research.
ODMR experiments require precise synchronization of laser excitation, microwave modulation, and photon detection to accurately capture these interactions between quantum spin states and their environment. Swabian Instruments’ Pulse Streamer 8/2 and Time Tagger provide an integrated solution that simplifies this complexity while ensuring high experimental fidelity. Designed to work seamlessly together, the Pulse Streamer 8/2 generates precise, programmable digital and analog pulses to drive the necessary optical and microwave sequences, synchronizing each step of the experiment from spin initialization to readout. Meanwhile, the Time Tagger captures photon arrival times with picosecond precision, enabling researchers to collect time-resolved data for accurate spin state analysis.
Common challenges in optically detected magnetic resonance application include:
The Swabian Instruments’ Pulse Streamer 8/2 is purpose-built for demanding control tasks, providing synchronized digital and analog pulse generation. Users can effortlessly upload custom sequences to drive optical and microwave pulses, gating, and synchronization signals. Equipped with two memory slots, the Pulse Streamer 8/2 allows the uploading of sequences while running the previous ones. With its intuitive interface, even complex pulse timing sequences are easy to set up, making the Pulse Streamer 8/2 an essential tool for ODMR and other quantum applications that require precise experimental control.
Offering both the Time Tagger for data acquisition and the Pulse Streamer 8/2 for experiment control, Swabian Instruments provides a cohesive, single-source solution for conducting pulsed ODMR experiments. With both devices engineered to work seamlessly together, users benefit from streamlined integration, unified support, and efficient workflows, providing everything needed to achieve consistent, reproducible results in demanding experimental environments.
Swabian Instruments provides extensive documentation for both the Time Tagger and Pulse Streamer, including specific tutorials on implementing pulsed ODMR experiments. Step-by-step guides, example sequences, and application notes make configuring and integrating these devices straightforward, ensuring smooth operations and reducing setup times in advanced experiments.
Swabian Instruments supports multiple programming environments, including Python, MATLAB, and LabVIEW, so you can work within your preferred platform. Provided libraries enable custom scripting and automation, empowering users to control complex experimental setups without requiring new programming languages.
Swabian Instruments’ Time Tagger series offers high-resolution timing with picosecond-level accuracy, which is essential in ODMR experiments. This precision on the one hand ensures consistency in the timing of photon detections. On the other hand it allows for control of pulse intervals, capturing delicate dynamics within quantum states, spin transitions, or magnetic field variations with high fidelity.
[1] J. Zhengzhi, et al. "Quantum sensing of radio‐frequency signal with NV centers in SiC." Sci. Adv. 9, 2080 (2023)
[2] X. Gao, et al. "Nuclear spin polarization and control in hexagonal boron nitride." Nat. Mater. 21, 1024 (2022)
[3] J.C. Marcks, et al. "Quantum spin probe of single charge dynamics." Phys. Rev. Lett. 133, 130802 (2024)
[4] X. Gao, et al. "Nanotube spin defects for omnidirectional magnetic field sensing." Nat. Commun. 15, 7697 (2024)
[5] G. Petrini, et al. "Nanodiamond–quantum sensors reveal temperature variation associated to hippocampal neurons firing." Adv. Sci. 9, 2202014 (2022)
[6] B. Diler, et al. "Coherent control and high‐fidelity readout of chromium ions in commercial silicon carbide." Npj Quantum Inf. 6, 11 (2020)
At Swabian Instruments, we’re excited to announce a new application note in collaboration with the Awschalom Group at the University of Chicago “Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance. Quantum Spin Probe of Single Charge Dynamics.” This collaborative work showcases the power of advanced quantum measurement techniques using our Pulse Streamer 8/2 and Time Tagger 20 .
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At Swabian Instruments, innovation never stops. We’re excited to share the preliminary release of firmware v2.0.0 Beta2 for the Pulse Streamer 8/2, setting the stage for a new feature — continuous streaming. Below is a sneak peek into the Pulse Streamer’s upcoming capabilities, designed to elevate its performance to new heights while ensuring seamless backward compatibility.
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