arXiv subjects

Arne Wickenbrock

Publications and source records attributed to Arne Wickenbrock.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2022

Electrical readout microwave-free sensing with diamond

While nitrogen-vacancy (NV-) centers have been extensively investigated in the context of spin-based quantum technologies, the spin-state readout is conventionally performed optically, which may limit miniaturization and scalability. Here, we report photoelectric readout of ground-state cross-relaxation features, which serves as a method for measuring electron spin resonance spectra of nanoscale electronic environments and also for microwave-free sensing. As a proof of concept, by systematically tuning NV centers into resonance with the target electronic system, we extracted the spectra for the P1 electronic spin bath in diamond. Such detection may enable probing optically inactive defects and the dynamics of local spin environment. We also demonstrate a magnetometer based on photoelectric detection of the ground-state level anticrossings (GSLAC), which exhibits a favorable detection efficiency as well as magnetic sensitivity. This approach may offer potential solutions for determining spin densities and characterizing local environment.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2021

Search for topological defect dark matter with a global network of optical magnetometers

Ultralight bosons such as axion-like particles are viable candidates for dark matter. They can form stable, macroscopic field configurations in the form of topological defects that could concentrate the dark matter density into many distinct, compact spatial regions that are small compared to the galaxy but much larger than the Earth. Here, we report the results of a search for transient signals from axion-like particle domain walls with the Global Network of Optical Magnetometers for Exotic physics searches (GNOME). We search the data, consisting of correlated measurements from optical atomic magnetometers located in laboratories all over the world, for patterns of signals propagating through the network consistent with domain walls. The analysis of data from a continuous month-long operation of the GNOME finds no statistically significant signals, thus placing experimental constraints on such dark matter scenarios.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2021

Satellite-assisted laser magnetometry with mesospheric sodium

Magnetic field sensing provides crucial insights into various geophysical phenomena such as atmospheric currents, crustal magnetism, and oceanic circulation. In this paper, a method for remote detection of magnetic fields using mesospheric sodium with an assisting satellite is proposed. Sodium atoms in the mesosphere are optically pumped with a ground-based laser beam. A satellite-borne detector is used to measure magneto-optical rotation of the polarization of a probe laser beam by the sodium atoms. This sensitive magnetometry method benefits from direct detection of laser photons and complements existing space- and aircraft-borne techniques by probing magnetic fields at upper-atmospheric altitudes inaccessible to those.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2021

A machine learning algorithm for direct detection of axion-like particle domain walls

The Global Network of Optical Magnetometers for Exotic physics searches (GNOME) conducts an experimental search for certain forms of dark matter based on their spatiotemporal signatures imprinted on a global array of synchronized atomic magnetometers. The experiment described here looks for a gradient coupling of axion-like particles (ALPs) with proton spins as a signature of locally dense dark matter objects such as domain walls. In this work, stochastic optimization with machine learning is proposed for use in a search for ALP domain walls based on GNOME data. The validity and reliability of this method were verified using binary classification. The projected sensitivity of this new analysis method for ALP domain-wall crossing events is presented.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2021

Determination of local defect density in diamond by double electron-electron resonance

Magnetic impurities in diamond influence the relaxation properties and thus limit the sensitivity of magnetic, electric, strain, and temperature sensors based on nitrogen-vacancy color centers. Diamond samples may exhibit significant spatial variations in the impurity concentrations hindering the quantitative analysis of relaxation pathways. Here, we present a local measurement technique which can be used to determine the concentration of various species of defects by utilizing double electron-electron resonance. This method will help to improve the understanding of the physics underlying spin relaxation and guide the development of diamond samples, as well as offering protocols for optimized sensing.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2021

Search for axion-like dark matter using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance

We report the results of an experimental search for ultralight axion-like dark matter in the mass range 162 neV to 166 neV. The detection scheme of our Cosmic Axion Spin Precession Experiment (CASPEr) is based on a precision measurement of $^{207}$Pb solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance in a polarized ferroelectric crystal. Axion-like dark matter can exert an oscillating torque on $^{207}$Pb nuclear spins via the electric-dipole moment coupling $g_d$, or via the gradient coupling $g_{\text{aNN}}$. We calibrated the detector and characterized the excitation spectrum and relaxation parameters of the nuclear spin ensemble with pulsed magnetic resonance measurements in a 4.4 T magnetic field. We swept the magnetic field near this value and searched for axion-like dark matter with Compton frequency within a 1 MHz band centered at 39.65 MHz. Our measurements place the upper bounds $|g_d|<9.5\times10^{-4}\,\text{GeV}^{-2}$ and $|g_{\text{aNN}}|<2.8\times10^{-1}\,\text{GeV}^{-1}$ (95% confidence level) in this frequency range. The constraint on $g_d$ corresponds to an upper bound of $1.0\times 10^{-21}\,\text{e}\cdot\text{cm}$ on the amplitude of oscillations of the neutron electric dipole moment, and $4.3\times 10^{-6}$ on the amplitude of oscillations of CP-violating $θ$ parameter of quantum chromodynamics. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance to search for axion-like dark matter in the nano-electronvolt mass range.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2021

Stand-off magnetometry with directional emission from sodium vapors

Stand-off magnetometry allows measuring magnetic field at a distance, and can be employed in geophysical research, hazardous environment monitoring, and security applications. Stand-off magnetometry based on resonant scattering from atoms or molecules is often limited by the scarce amounts of detected light. The situation would be dramatically improved if the light emitted by excited atoms were to propagate towards the excitation-light-source in a directional manner. Here, we demonstrate that this is possible by means of mirrorless lasing. In a tabletop experiment, we detect free-precession signals of ground-state sodium spins under the influence of a magnetic field by measuring backward-directed light. This method enables scalar magnetometry in the Earth field range, that can be extended to long-baseline sensing.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2021

Quantum sensitivity limits of nuclear magnetic resonance experiments searching for new fundamental physics

Nuclear magnetic resonance is a promising experimental approach to search for ultra-light axion-like dark matter. Searches such as the cosmic axion spin-precession experiments (CASPEr) are ultimately limited by quantum-mechanical noise sources, in particular, spin-projection noise. We discuss how such fundamental limits can potentially be reached. We consider a circuit model of a magnetic resonance experiment and quantify three noise sources: spin-projection noise, thermal noise, and amplifier noise. Calculation of the total noise spectrum takes into account the modification of the circuit impedance by the presence of nuclear spins, as well as the circuit back-action on the spin ensemble. Suppression of the circuit back-action is especially important in order for the spin-projection noise limits of searches for axion-like dark matter to reach the quantum chromodynamic axion sensitivity.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Fiberized diamond-based vector magnetometers

We present two fiberized vector magnetic-field sensors, based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. The sensors feature sub-nT/$\sqrt{\textrm{Hz}}$ magnetic sensitivity. We use commercially available components to construct sensors with a small sensor size, high photon collection, and minimal sensor-sample distance. Both sensors are located at the end of optical fibres with the sensor-head freely accessible and robust under movement. These features make them ideal for mapping magnetic fields with high sensitivity and spatial resolution ($\leq$\,mm). As a demonstration we use one of the sensors to map the vector magnetic field inside the bore of a $\geq$ 100\,mT Halbach array. The vector field sensing protocol translates microwave spectroscopy data addressing all diamonds axes and including double quantum transitions to a 3D magnetic field vector.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Battery characterization via eddy-current imaging with nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond

Sensitive and accurate diagnostic technologies with magnetic sensors are of great importance for identifying and localizing defects of rechargeable solid batteries in a noninvasive detection. We demonstrate a microwave-free AC magnetometry method with negatively charged NV centers in diamond based on a cross-relaxation feature between NV centers and individual substitutional nitrogen (P1) centers occurring at 51.2 mT. We apply the technique to non-destructive solid-state battery imaging. By detecting the eddy-current-induced magnetic field of the battery, we distinguish a defect on the external electrode and identify structural anomalies within the battery body. The achieved spatial resolution is $360\,μ\rm m$. The maximum magnetic field and phase shift generated by the battery at the modulation frequency of 5 kHz are estimated as 0.04 mT and 0.03 rad respectively.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2020

Stochastic fluctuations of bosonic dark matter

Numerous theories extending beyond the standard model of particle physics predict the existence of bosons that could constitute the dark matter (DM) permeating the universe. In the standard halo model (SHM) of galactic dark matter the velocity distribution of the bosonic DM field defines a characteristic coherence time $τ_c$. Until recently, laboratory experiments searching for bosonic DM fields have been in the regime where the measurement time $T$ significantly exceeds $τ_c$, so null results have been interpreted as constraints on the coupling of bosonic DM to standard model particles with a bosonic DM field amplitude $Φ_0$ fixed by the average local DM density. However, motivated by new theoretical developments, a number of recent searches probe the regime where $T\llτ_c$. Here we show that experiments operating in this regime do not sample the full distribution of bosonic DM field amplitudes and therefore it is incorrect to assume a fixed value of $Φ_0$ when inferring constraints on the coupling strength of bosonic DM to standard model particles. Instead, in order to interpret laboratory measurements (even in the event of a discovery), it is necessary to account for the stochastic nature of such a virialized ultralight field (VULF). The constraints inferred from several previous null experiments searching for ultralight bosonic DM were overestimated by factors ranging from 3 to 10 depending on experimental details, model assumptions, and choice of inference framework.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

Sensitive magnetometry in challenging environments

State-of-the-art magnetic field measurements performed in shielded environments with carefully controlled conditions rarely reflect the realities of those applications envisioned in the introductions of peer-reviewed publications. Nevertheless, significant advances in magnetometer sensitivity have been accompanied by serious attempts to bring these magnetometers into the challenging working environments in which they are often required. This review discusses the ways in which various (predominantly optically-pumped) magnetometer technologies have been adapted for use in a wide range of noisy and physically demanding environments.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2020

Probing topological spin structures using light-polarization and magnetic microscopy

We present an imaging modality that enables detection of magnetic moments and their resulting stray magnetic fields. We use wide-field magnetic imaging that employs a diamond-based magnetometer and has combined magneto-optic detection (e.g. magneto-optic Kerr effect) capabilities. We employ such an instrument to image magnetic (stripe) domains in multilayered ferromagnetic structures.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2020

Rapid online solid-state battery diagnostics with optically pumped magnetometers

Solid state battery technology is motivated by the desire to deliver flexible power storage in a safe and efficient manner. The increasingly widespread use of batteries from mass-production facilities highlights the need for a rapid and sensitive diagnostic for identifying battery defects. We demonstrate the use of atomic magnetometry to measure the magnetic fields around miniature solid-state battery cells. These fields encode information about battery manufacturing defects, state of charge, impurities, or can provide important insights into ageing processes. Compared with SQUID-based magnetometry, the availability of atomic magnetometers, however, highlights the possibility for a low-cost, portable, and flexible implementation of battery quality-control and characterization technology.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2020

Magnetic sensing at zero field with a single nitrogen-vacancy center

Single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers are widely used as nanoscale sensors for magnetic and electric fields, strain and temperature. Nanoscale magnetometry using NV centers allows for example to quantitatively measure local magnetic fields produced by vortices in superconductors, topological spin textures such as skyrmions, as well as to detect nuclear magnetic resonance signals. However one drawback when used as magnetic field sensor has been that an external bias field is required to perform magnetometry with NV centers. In this work we demonstrate a technique which allows access to a regime where no external bias field is needed. This enables new applications in which this bias field might disturb the system under investigation. Furthermore, we show that our technique is sensitive enough to detect spins outside of the diamond which enables nanoscale zero- to ultralow-field nuclear magnetic resonance.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2020

High homogeneity permanent magnet for diamond magnetometry

Halbach magnets are a source of homogeneous magnetic field in an enclosed volume while keeping stray fields at a minimum. Here, we present the design, construction, and characterization for a 10 cm inner diameter double Halbach ring providing a homogeneous (<100 ppm over 1 x 1 x 0.5 cm3) magnetic field of around 105 mT, which will be used for a diamond based microwave-free widefield imaging setup. The final characterization is performed with a novel fiberized diamond-based sensor on a 3D translation stage documenting the high homogeneity of the constructed Halbach array and its suitability for the proposed use.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2020

Photoluminescence at the ground state level anticrossing of the nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond

The nitrogen-vacancy center (NV center) in diamond at magnetic fields corresponding to the ground state level anticrossing (GSLAC) region gives rise to rich photoluminescence (PL) signals due to the vanishing energy gap between the electron spin states, which enables to have an effect on the NV center's luminescence for a broad variety of environmental couplings. In this article we report on the GSLAC photoluminescence signature of NV ensembles in different spin environments at various external fields. We investigate the effects of transverse electric and magnetic fields, P1 centers, NV centers, and the $^{13}$C nuclear spins, each of which gives rise to a unique PL signature at the GSLAC. The comprehensive analysis of the couplings and related optical signal at the GSLAC provides a solid ground for advancing various microwave-free applications at the GSLAC, including but not limited to magnetometry, spectroscopy, dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) detection. We demonstrate that not only the most abundant $^{14}$NV center but the $^{15}$NV can also be utilized in such applications and that nuclear spins coupled to P1 centers can be polarized directly by the NV center at the GSLAC, through a giant effective nuclear $g$-factor arising from the NV center-P1 center-nuclear spin coupling. We report on new alternative for measuring defect concentration in the vicinity of NV centers and on the optical signatures of interacting, mutually aligned NV centers.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2020

Biomagnetic signals recorded during transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-evoked peripheral muscular activity

Objective: We present magnetomyograms (MMG) of TMS-evoked movement in a human hand, together with a simultaneous surface electromyograph (EMG) and electroencephalograph (EEG) data. Approach: We combined TMS with non-contact magnetic detection of TMS-evoked muscle activity in peripheral limbs to explore a new diagnostic modality that enhances the utility of TMS as a clinical tool by leveraging technological advances in magnetometry. We recorded measurements in a regular hospital room using an array of optically pumped magnetometers (OPM) inside a portable shield that encompasses only the forearm and hand of the subject. Main Results: The biomagnetic signals recorded in the MMG provide detailed spatial and temporal information that is complementary to that of the electric signal channels. Moreover, we identify features in the magnetic recording beyond those of the EMG. Significance: These results validate the viability of MMG recording with a compact OPM based setup in small-sized magnetic shielding, and provide proof-of-principle for a non-contact data channel for detection and analysis of TMS-evoked muscle activity from peripheral limbs.

q-bio.NC↗