NV-CENTRE MICROSCOPE | Low Temperature Microscope

Low Temperature Scanning NV Center Microscope

The NanoMagnetics Instruments Low Temperature Scanning NV Center Microscope is a fully integrated cryogenic quantum-sensing platform designed to quantitative magnetic imaging with nanometric spatial resolution.

By combining the precision of atomic force microscopy (AFM) with a high-efficiency confocal optical microscope, the system enables quantitative, non-invasive measurements of quantum and mesoscopic phenomena in materials science, condensed-matter physics, and semiconductor research at extreme conditions (1.5 Kelvin, 12 Tesla [High Field for Micro-Raman and MFM options], available (1T-1T-1T) Vector magnet options for NV Centre).

Principle of Operation

At the heart of the microscope lies a single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond, acting as an atomic-scale quantum sensor. The NV center’s electronic spin state is initialized and read out optically, while controlled by a resonant microwave field. Variations in the local magnetic field shift the NV spin resonance frequency, allowing the mapping of local magnetisations to be reconstructed with nanometer precision.

Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance (ODMR) is obtained by synchronized Laser Excitation (A 532 nm green laser polarizes the NV center into a ms=0 spin state), Microwave Control, Optical Readout (by a single-photon avalanche diode (APD)). Scanning the surface of the material.

Key Features

• Modular and Extensible Architecture:

  • Easy upgrade to interferometric Magnetic Force Microscopy (LT-MFM).

  • Built-in integration for Andor and Renishaw CCD Spectrometers for Micro-Raman applications and PL mapping.

  • Full API and SDK access to allow further integration with complementary instruments such as pulsed-ODMR setups, and external magnet systems.

• Cryogenic Operation:

  • Stable performance from 10 mK to 300 K, enabling investigations of superconductivity, correlated-electron systems, and low-temperature quantum effects.

• High Sensitivity and Resolution:

  • Equipped with a 1 mm WD & 0.82 NA apochromatic objective and ultra-low-noise photon detection, the system achieves high optical collection efficiency and uT/√Hz magnetic sensitivity.

• Complete Cryogenic SPM Platform:

  • Single interface for Temperature Control and Scanning Probe Control

  • Integrated XYZ nanopositioners for both probe and sample, driven by an FPGA-based 32-bit real-time controller for sub-nanometer precision and drift-compensated operation.

Applications

• Magnetic Materials & Spintronics:

  • Imaging of magnetic domains, skyrmions, vortices, and spin textures in ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic systems.

• Quantum & Correlated Matter:

  • Study of superconductors, topological insulators, and 2D quantum materials under variable temperature and field conditions.

• Semiconductor and Device Physics:

  • Mapping of current flow, local Hall effects, and electrostatic potential variations in nanoscale devices.

• Quantum Thermometry and Strain Mapping:

  • Quantitative imaging of local temperature gradients and crystal strain at cryogenic or ambient conditions.

System Specifications

Microscope Head

• Temperature Range: 10 mK – 300 K

• Outer Diameter: 48 mm (cryostat compatible)

• Scan Range: 10 × 10 × 10 µm³ at 4 K

• Objective: 0.82 NA apochromatic objective

• Excitation/Detection: 532 nm single-mode laser and APD for single-photon detection

• Positioners: XYZ sample and XYZ NV-probe nanopositioners

Control Electronics

• Controller: Ultra-low-noise FPGA-based AFM controller with 32-bit processor

• Signal Chain: 16-bit and 24-bit ADC/DAC for precision control and acquisition

• Software: Integrated GUI for synchronized ODMR and AFM operation; full automation through API/SDK

Request a Configuration

Each NV Center Microscope is configured to meet the specific experimental needs of your laboratory.Contact our technical sales specialists to discuss your application and obtain a tailored configuration and quotation.