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Title: A diamond-based scanning probe spin sensor operating at low temperature in ultra-high vacuum

Journal Article · · Review of Scientific Instruments
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4858835· OSTI ID:22251196
;  [1];  [2];  [1]
  1. Max-Planck Institute for Solid State Research, 70569 Stuttgart (Germany)
  2. 3rd Institute of Physics and Research Center SCoPE, University Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart (Germany)

We present the design and performance of an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) low temperature scanning probe microscope employing the nitrogen-vacancy color center in diamond as an ultrasensitive magnetic field sensor. Using this center as an atomic-size scanning probe has enabled imaging of nanoscale magnetic fields and single spins under ambient conditions. In this article we describe an experimental setup to operate this sensor in a cryogenic UHV environment. This will extend the applicability to a variety of molecular systems due to the enhanced target spin lifetimes at low temperature and the controlled sample preparation under UHV conditions. The instrument combines a tuning-fork based atomic force microscope (AFM) with a high numeric aperture confocal microscope and the facilities for application of radio-frequency (RF) fields for spin manipulation. We verify a sample temperature of <50 K even for strong laser and RF excitation and demonstrate magnetic resonance imaging with a magnetic AFM tip.

OSTI ID:
22251196
Journal Information:
Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 85, Issue 1; Other Information: (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0034-6748
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English