Building A Do-It-Yourself Quantum Scanning Microscope

Commercial quantum scanning microscopes generally are available at a price point more appropriate for multi-user facilities, but a do-it-yourself build is a viable option for users who prefer to modify the experiment setup or do not wish to reserve time on a shared instrument (if they even have access to one). Creating such a build requires an understanding of the instrument’s components and operating principles.

Also called a scanning nitrogen vacancy (NV) magnetometer, these instruments are useful across numerous applications, including, but not limited to:

• Characterizing materials (e.g., antiferromagnetic order)
• Imaging currents in integrated circuits
• Characterizing quantum devices
• Studying 2D materials
• Investigating biological materials
• Nanoscale nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)

A quantum scanning microscope typically comprises optics, a microwave source, an NV center-impregnated diamond tip for the atomic force microscope, and timing hardware. Additionally, these instruments require a vibration-free environment, usually provided by a combination of micro- and nanopositioners, as well as software to coordinate all components of the experiment or measurement being carried out.