Broadband electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy in diverse field conditions using optically detected nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond

Abstract

Paramagnetic magnetic resonance, a powerful technique for characterizing and identifying chemical targets, is increasingly used for imaging; however, low spin polarization at room temperature and moderate magnetic fields poses challenges for detecting small numbers of spins. In this work, we use fluorescence from nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond to detect the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of optically inactive target spins under various conditions of field magnitude and orientation. The protocol requires neither direct microwave manipulation of the NV spins nor spectral overlap between NV and target spin resonances, thus enabling broadband detection. This unexpected non-resonant coupling is attributable to a two-phonon process that relaxes NV spins proximate to the fluctuating dipole moment of the target spin, suggesting that the sensitivity is determined by the dipole–dipole coupling strength. This approach holds promise for sensitive EPR detection, particularly in settings where control over the diamond-crystal orientation is difficult. This is notably the case for biological sensing applications, where nanodiamonds are being pursued for their bright, stable fluorescence and biocompatibility.