Scanning localized magnetic fields in microfluidic system using single spin in diamond nanocrystal.

Abstract

We demonstrate localized magnetometry using a single nitrogen vacancy (NV) center in the microfluidic devices. Our approach enables three dimensional manipulation of a magnetic object in solution with nanoscale spatial accuracy, and also enables us to orient its dipole moment. A diamond nanocrystal is integrated into the microfluidic device and serves as a local magnetic field probe. We vary the position of a magnetic object in liquid and map out its magnetic field distribution by perform continuous electron spin resonance (ESR) measurement on the NV center. These results open up the possibility for using NV centers as nanosized magnetometers with high sensitivity in microfluidic device for applications in chemical sensing, biological sensing and microscopy.