Development of a Compact Diamond NV- Magnetometer

The negatively charged nitrogen vacancy (NV−) centre in diamond has emerged as a valuable platform for precision magnetometry that can offer exceptional sensitivity and nanoscale spatial resolution, even at room temperature. This thesis aims to present the design, development, and analysis of a novel compact NV− magnetometer with a focus on enhancing portability without compromising performance. Motivated by applications in geophysics, biomedical imaging, and materials characterization, this work seeks to bridge the gap be tween academic, laboratory systems and industrial, field-deployable devices. The research includes the construction of an optical bench set-up that is capable of eventually obtaining optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) signals for NV− centres under controlled magnetic fields. Key system components such as a stabilized laser excitation source, diamond NV− sample, and optical path components have been integrated into a modular design, allowing room for improvements and updates. Measurements of the red photoluminescence intensity were recorded in the presence of a known magnetic field, and trends in fluorescence were analyzed and compared with benchmark values. Preliminary results validate the detection and resolution of the fluorescence dips that correspond to varied magnetic field strengths, verifying the feasibility of compact NV-based sensing. This project aims to contribute to a foundational prototype and methodology for further optimization. The compact design opens up new design possibilities for mobile and embedded quantum sensors, making quantum magnetometry more accessible for real-world deployment. The work also serves as a strong foundation for future investigations into system calibration and miniaturization.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics

Grantor

University of Saskatchewan

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Moodley, Suraishnee Isaivani

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Bradley, Michael

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Smolyakov, Andrei
• Xiao, Chijin
• Toohey, Matthew
• Rayan, Steven

• Diamond
• NV
• NV-
• Magnetometer
• Magnetometry
• Magnetic
• Sensing
• Optics
• ODMR
• Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10388/18082

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:harvest.usask.ca:10388/18082