Quantum NMR RF Sensing of Phosphorus-31 (31P) and Fluorine-19 (19F) Using Pentacene-Doped Organic Crystals for Precision Threat Identification

The proposed project aims to develop a pioneering Quantum NMR RF Sensing system using pentacene-doped p-terphenyl crystals to detect and identify phosphorus-31 (łąP) and fluorine-19 (ą?F) nuclei in hazardous materials, such as chemical weapons, explosives, and nuclear substances. Leveraging the high sensitivity and precision of quantum sensing technology, this system is designed to detect trace amounts of these elements with unparalleled accuracy, providing a transformative tool for national security and defense applications. Pentacene-doped p-terphenyl crystals offer several key advantages over traditional Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers in diamond for quantum sensing. These crystals exhibit extended coherence times at room temperature, high-purity production, and enhanced optical detection due to increased non-interacting qubit spins. This defect-free environment significantly improves sensitivity, and their scalability makes them suitable for widespread deployment. The ability to precisely control qubit concentration ensures optimized performance and precision for complex environments. The Quantum NMR RF Sensing system integrates advanced quantum heterodyne sensing and spinlock techniques, enabling sub-picotesla detection capabilities crucial for identifying weak NMR signals in challenging conditions. The system’s core innovation lies in its ability to detect and differentiate łąP and ą?F NMR signatures, offering precise identification of chemical and nuclear agents. This capability will provide defense forces with a robust early-warning system, enabling proactive mitigation of threats. The project is structured around four major tasks. First, high-purity pentacene-doped p-terphenyl crystals will be designed and fabricated to meet the sensitivity requirements of quantum sensing. Second, a Quantum RF Magnetometer prototype will be developed, integrating key components such as microwave pulse delivery, optical detection, and bias magnetic field control systems. Third, quantum sensing protocols will be optimized to detect weak NMR signals of łąP and ą?F, ensuring high signal-to-noise ratios and detection accuracy. Lastly, the final report will be delivered at the end of Phase I, detailing the results and providing recommendations for Phase II prototype development. This is the first time pentacene-doped p-terphenyl crystals will be applied to RF quantum sensing. Demonstrating the feasibility of this approach will unlock broader applications in industries such as quantum computing, chemical detection, and information processing. Successful completion of this project will revolutionize the detection and identification of chemical and nuclear threats, offering new capabilities for national security, defense, and law enforcement.