Portable Integrated Diamond Nitrogen-Vacancy Radiofrequency (RF) Magnetometry System for Enhanced Detection of Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (PBIEDs)

The proposal aims to develop a Portable Integrated Diamond Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) Radiofrequency (RF) Magnetometry System for enhanced detection of Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (PBIEDs). This system leverages the exceptional sensitivity and spatial resolution of Diamond NV centers for Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) detection, providing unique chemical "fingerprints" of explosive compounds in the MHz RF range. The primary objective of Phase I is to establish the foundation for this high-sensitivity, portable quantum magnetometer, focusing on optimizing nitrogen doping in diamond substrates and evaluating silicon carbide (SiC) doping. The project includes refining NV center quality through advanced material processing techniques, integrating state-of-the-art optical and readout methodologies, and implementing dynamical decoupling and quantum heterodyne sensing to mitigate spin dephasing and enhance coherence times. The proposed system aims to achieve sub-picotesla accuracy within the RF spectrum, ensuring high specificity and sensitivity in detecting PBIEDs, with plans for further development in Phase II based on Phase I findings. The research will also explore the potential advantages of NV centers in SiC for scalability and longer coherence times. The project involves comprehensive material characterization, system assembly, calibration, and performance testing, laying the groundwork for a robust, efficient, and field-deployable explosive detection solution.