Evaluation of materials for single-spin magnetic resonance force microscopy
EMSL Project ID
2301
Abstract
Magnetic resonance force microscopy (MRFM) has been proposed as a means for achieving magnetic resonance imaging with single spin sensitivity and angstrom-scale spatial resolution. MRFM is based on ultrasensitive detection of magnetic forces between a small ferromagnetic tip and the target spins using specialized micromechanical cantilever force sensors. Magnetic resonance manipulation of the spins in a narrow resonant slice allows the magnetic force to be distinguished from competing forces and provides high spatial resolution. IBM has pioneered the development of MRFM techniques and has an active program to extend MRFM to the detection of inidividual electron spins. For initial single spin MRFM experiments it is desirable to have samples with optimized magnetic resonance properties. These properties include: 1) Well characterized spin density, in the range of 10^16 - 10^19 spins per cm^3. The high density samples are useful for preliminary experiments, while the low density samples are useful for the single spin experiments. 2) Long spin relaxation times so that the spins can be continuously cyclically inverted using adiabatic rapid passage techniques. Based on signal-to-noise considerations, the target spin must remain spin locked for up to 100 ms. Samples with long T1, T1-rho and T2 are desirable. 3) Paramagnetic centers that are electrically neutral, so that complications due to inhomogeneous electric fields at the surface can be avoided (e.g., non-contact friction effects between the cantilever tip and the sample). E' centers in fused silica have been previously evaluated as single spin samples. These sample are adequate with respect to requirements 1 and 2, but do not meet requirement 3 since E' centers are positively charged. Nitrogen centers (P1 and P2) in diamond are currently under consideration. IBM does not presently have the capability to evaluate relaxation times and spin concentration in these samples. It is proposed that a collaboration with Mike Bowman be established and that his expertise and facilities for electron spin resonance be utilized to help evaluate materials for single spin MRFM. The number of samples anticipated is not large - probably between 3 and 10. Relaxation time measurements at room temperature and 4K would be made and spin concentration estimated.
Project Details
Project type
Capability Research
Start Date
2001-09-01
End Date
2002-09-04
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
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