$T_2$-limited dc Quantum Magnetometry via Flux Modulation

Abstract

High-sensitivity magnetometry is of critical importance to the fields of biomagnetism and geomagnetism. However, the magnetometry for the low-frequency signal detection meets the challenge of sensitivity improvement, due to multiple types of low-frequency noise sources. In particular, for the solid-state spin quantum magnetometry, the sensitivity of low frequency magnetic field has been limited by short $T_2^*$. Here, we demonstrate a $T_2$-limited dc quantum magnetometry based on the nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. The magnetometry, combining the flux modulation and the spin-echo protocol, promotes the sensitivity from being limited by $T_2^*$ to $T_2$ of orders of magnitude longer. The sensitivity of the dc magnetometry of 32 $\rm pT/Hz^{1/2}$ has been achieved, overwhelmingly improved by 100 folds over the Ramsey-type method result of 4.6 $\rm nT/Hz^{1/2}$. Further enhancement of the sensitivity have been systematically analyzed, although challenging but plenty of room is achievable. Our result sheds light on realization of room temperature dc quantum magnetomerty with femtotesla-sensitivity in the future.