Project R-16669

Diamond-based Co-located Quantum Magnetometer and Radiation Monitor for Space Applications (Research)

Advancement in understanding of space weather phenomena depends on precise monitoring and analysis of the dynamic between the geomagnetic field and the particle environment. The temporally resolved measurements of both the magnetic field and local particle flux are critical for understanding the underlying causality enabling accurate real-time monitoring, and forecasting of space weather events, impacting terrestrial and space systems. Current missions such as SMILE, Vigil and Swarm employ spatially separated magnetometers and radiation monitors, introducing timing offsets (ms-scale) and spatial baselines (cm- to m-scale) that limit correlation analysis. Additionally, commonly used classical sensing technologies are reaching their limitations both in sensitivity performance as well as in size, weight, and power requirements. The proposed research introduces a diamond-based co-located sensing architecture integrating NV-centre quantum magnetometry (<100 pT/√Hz) and charge-collection radiation detection (efficiencies of >80-90%) within a single (sub-)centimetre sensing volume. The work combines material optimisation (defect density, NV concentration, carrier lifetime), electrical and optical simulations, microfabrication of electrode and microwave structures on diamond, and co-designed low-noise FPGA-based readout electronics. Furthermore, cross-talk mechanisms (radiation-induced NV degradation, microwave interference with charge readout) will be quantified and mitigated via shielding and geometry optimisation. A unified calibration framework will be developed to exploit the co-located measurements in-situ.

01 May 2026 - 01 May 2030