Imagine a tiny diamond with a specific flaw that acts like a super-sensitive antenna. This project uses those flaws to catch microwave signals with incredible precision, almost like upgrading from a blurry old radio to a high-definition digital receiver. Instead of using bulky equipment, they've found a way to read these signals using electricity, making the whole system small enough to fit into portable devices.
Current microwave detectors often struggle to balance high sensitivity, wide frequency bandwidth, and compact size. This makes it difficult to implement high-precision sensing in portable 5G/6G hardware or medical devices.
A quantum heterodyne microwave detector system using diamond NV centres with photoelectric readout. This includes a test device architecture and a sensing platform capable of 25 GHz bandwidth.
If you are a network equipment manufacturer dealing with the need for higher frequency bands in 6G — this project developed a quantum sensing platform that targets 5G and 6G applications with a 25 GHz bandwidth. This allows for more precise signal detection and a more compact device design.
If you are a medical device company dealing with the need for portable, high-resolution microwave diagnostics — this project developed a self-contained detector using diamond spins. This provides parts-per-million frequency resolution in a compact form factor.
If you are a systems integrator dealing with the need for ultra-fast transient detection in navigation — this project developed a sensor capable of nanosecond-scale detection. This ensures higher accuracy in tracking and signal identification.
Based on available project data, there is no specific pricing or unit cost mentioned; the project focused on the research and development of the technology.
Yes, the project uses photoelectric readout which is compatible with scalable semiconductor electronics, facilitating a transition to commercial applications.
Based on available project data, specific patent or licensing terms are not listed, though the project has produced a test device architecture and published results in Appl. Phys. Lett.
The system uses a photoelectric readout of NV centres in diamond, which allows for higher device integrability and compatibility with standard semiconductor electronics.
The project period runs from 2022-04-01 to 2025-09-30, suggesting the technology is currently in the demonstration and validation phase.
The consortium consists of 6 partners across 5 countries, showing a strong European academic and research base. With 3 universities and 2 research institutes, the project is heavily R&D focused, though it includes 1 industrial partner (17% ratio), ensuring a link to commercial viability and semiconductor integration.
Contact INTERUNIVERSITAIR MICRO-ELECTRONICA CENTRUM (IMEC) in Belgium.
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