QUENCH - Quantum-enhanced benchtop NMR spectrometer

Project description and objective

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy serves as the workhorse of modern molecular structural analysis, boasting numerous scientific applications ranging from materials science to drug discovery. Despite its ubiquity, traditional NMR spectrometers, which rely on induction coils and high magnetic fields dating back 80 years, remain bulky, expensive, and inaccessible to many potential users. However, a recent breakthrough in solid-state spin quantum systems has led to the emergence of a novel NMR sensor: the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond. This sensor has showcased unparalleled sensitivities in detecting NMR signals.

The project aims to significantly enhance the sensitivity of modern benchtop NMR spectrometers by several orders of magnitude. This will be achieved by integrating NMR technology with cutting-edge quantum sensing techniques, utilizing improved NV-diamond materials, advanced microwave antennas, novel pulse sequences, and quantum control protocols. The ultimate goal is to attain complete control and protection from environmental noise of the NV-spin state, incorporating quantum memories and logical operations to surpass the radiofrequency sensitivities of classical NMR sensors.

The proposed quantum-enhanced benchtop NMR spectrometer will be tested and validated in an analytical chemistry laboratory setting to demonstrate record sensitivities in molecular analysis facilitated by quantum technology. The potential applications of this advancement span across various fields including quality control, environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, online monitoring of chemical reactors, and materials discovery.