PREP0004128 NV Diamond Researcher

NV Diamond Force Sensing Researcher

Project Description:

The work will entail building a self-driving confocal microscope for quantum measurements of ensemble and single spins of nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond for high-pressure/force measurements. The envisioned microscope will be capable of supporting photoluminescence, CW-ODMR (optically detected magnetic resonance), and pulsed-ODMR measurements of NV-diamond samples, including nano- and micro-particles and CVD-grown chips with parts per billion to parts per million levels of NV centers. The research fellow will measure temperature and pressure/force-dependent spectral changes in NV samples inside a diamond anvil cell.

In addition, the PD fellow will work with the PI to acquire stress/force and temperature-dependent NV measurements, analyze data, and develop fiber-optic coupled NV sensors, including the development of novel machine learning methods for signal processing.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Design, automate, and validate the performance of a confocal diamond microscope, including the implementation of active learning methodologies to enable a self-driving microscopy setup
• Design and fabricate RF antennas for the diamond anvil cell
• Implement PL, CW, and pulsed-ODMR measurements
• Analyze and prepare data for reporting to stakeholders; prepare data for publication in peer- reviewed journals
• Present results at internal meetings and meetings with external stakeholders
• Ensure that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization

Desired Qualifications: 

• A Ph.D in physics
• 5+ years of relevant experience working with NV centers, including quantum modeling of NV ODMR active transitions and successfully designing, building, and using an NV-diamond microscope for single spin measurements
• Experience in using machine learning methods such as PCA, LDA, and neural networks for signal processing
• Prior experience with diamond anvil cell and high-pressure measurements preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• US citizenship strongly preferred

Other Details:

• Full-time: the participant is expected to work 40 hours a week
• Location: the participant will work at the NIST Gaithersburg Campus.
• Duration: this is expected to be a one year position. Extensions are sometimes granted depending on the availability of funds.