System based approach to the design of tension sensing element made of modified diamond
At a Glance
Section titled “At a Glance”| Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2020-12-31 |
| Journal | Civil Aviation High TECHNOLOGIES |
| Authors | Sergey Dianov, В.М. Новичков |
| Institutions | Moscow Aviation Institute, Moscow State Technical University of Civil Aviation |
| Analysis | Full AI Review Included |
Executive Summary
Section titled “Executive Summary”- Core Innovation: Development of a miniature tension sensing element (loadcell) utilizing a Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) center embedded in a modified diamond plate, bridging classical vibration sensor theory with quantum technology.
- System Integration: The sensor functions as a frequency-output transducer, where mechanical strain (tension/pressure) alters the diamond plate’s natural frequency (fm), which in turn manipulates the NV center electron spin state (q-bit).
- Output Mechanism: The NV center generates photons or phonons, allowing for direct, high-speed data input into a quantum diagnostic computer system, bypassing traditional analog-to-digital conversion steps.
- Performance Advantage: The design leverages the high Q-factor of diamond (up to 5·107) and the inherent noise immunity of quantum systems, leading to highly reliable and accurate measurements.
- Miniaturization: The use of nanotechnology allows the sensor to be significantly smaller than conventional types, addressing critical size and mass constraints in complex technical systems.
- Design Basis: Calculations confirm the feasibility of manufacturing a rectangular beam loadcell (dimensions in the 10-4 m range) capable of sensing forces (S) up to 1.16·104 N within the required frequency range (1 MHz to 4 MHz).
Technical Specifications
Section titled “Technical Specifications”| Parameter | Value | Unit | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond Young’s Modulus (E) | 1.2·1012 | Pa | Elastic modulus of diamond. |
| Diamond Specific Density (ρ) | 3.51·103 | kg/m3 | Specific density of diamond. |
| Poisson’s Ratio (μ) | 0.07 | - | For diamond material. |
| Elastic Wave Velocity (C) | 18300 | m/s | Velocity of propagation in diamond. |
| Q-factor (Diamond Plate) | 5·107 | - | Observed high quality factor for the resonator. |
| Sensing Element Length (l) | 2·10-3 | m | Calculated length for target measurement range. |
| Sensing Element Height (a) | 1·10-4 | m | Rectangular cross-section dimension. |
| Sensing Element Width (b) | 5·10-4 | m | Rectangular cross-section dimension. |
| Target Frequency Range (ω/2π) | 1·106 to 4·106 | Hz | Range where the energy gap was detected. |
| Compression Force (S) Range | 1.11·103 to 1.16·104 | N | Force corresponding to the target frequency range. |
| NV Center Coherence Time (Readout) | ~10-7 | sec | Sensitive element performance time (Swiss research). |
| NV Center Ground State Energy Gap | 1.945 | eV | Energy gap between ground 3A state and excited 3E state (637 nm). |
Key Methodologies
Section titled “Key Methodologies”The design process for the modified diamond sensing element follows a systematic approach combining quantum physics results with classical vibration sensor theory:
- NV Center Fabrication: The first step involves producing the NV center defect in the diamond plate. This is achieved by replacing one carbon atom (13C) with a nitrogen atom (N) and removing an adjacent carbon atom to create a vacancy (V).
- Resonator Calculation and Manufacturing: The required shape (rectangular or round) and dimensions of the diamond plate are calculated using established formulas (based on density, Young’s modulus, and shape factor F) to achieve the desired natural frequency (fm).
- Fastening Implementation: The plate is fastened appropriately (e.g., two clamped ends or strut configuration) to ensure the mechanical parameter being measured (flexural rigidity, x) directly influences the natural frequency.
- Vibration Excitation System: A specialized system (e.g., using a piezo-element) is built to excite the diamond plate, initiating free or self-oscillation.
- Regenerative Feedback Loop: For sustained self-oscillation mode, a regenerative feedback mechanism (including reverse conversion and amplification) is implemented to maintain stable operation near the natural frequency.
- Quantum Transduction (NV Center Operation): The NV center serves as the subsequent transducer. Changes in the plate’s vibration frequency (due to external strain) shift the electron spin resonance (ESP) energy gap.
- Data Output via ODMR: The output parameter (the energy gap width) is measured via Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance (ODMR) spectrum analysis, generating photons or phonons that serve as input data for the quantum computer.
Commercial Applications
Section titled “Commercial Applications”- Aerospace Structural Health Monitoring: Diagnosis of technical condition for airframe parts, particularly those subject to high tension or pressure.
- Complex System Diagnosis: Real-time monitoring and diagnosis of critical pressurized systems, including fuel, oil, hydraulic, and pressurization systems, where conventional sensors are too large or unreliable.
- Robotics and AI Control: Providing holistic, high-accuracy stochastic data input directly to artificial intelligence control algorithms for autonomous systems.
- Miniature Loadcells: Implementation of extremely small, high-reliability loadcells in environments where size and mass constraints are paramount (e.g., micro-robotics, embedded systems).
- Quantum Computing Hardware: Utilizing the NV center as a fundamental q-bit unit for data storage and processing within specialized quantum diagnostic computers.
- Advanced Quantum Sensing: Applications in geometric phase magnetometry, hyperpolarization-enhanced NMR spectroscopy, and spin readout techniques due to the NV center’s superb spin coherence and optical properties.
View Original Abstract
Modern and perspective tasks of robotics with control from artificial intelligence systems require the use of small-sized measuring devices. In this case, the intensively developed quantum sensors and quantum computers have a bright prospect. Their main advantage is the ability to successfully process the data of random processes with decomposition of complex functions into simple multipliers, as well as their small size and the ability to transmit data over long distances without wires. Data transmitted over quantum communication lines cannot be copied or intercepted, which is very useful for remote control of complex technical systems. Based on the results of the analysis of probabilistic noisy data quantum computer is able to quickly develop an assessment of the technical condition of the complex system. At the same time, there is no need to go through all the possible solutions to the evaluation problem with a huge amount of input data, some of which can sometimes be undefined. The main problem in the research of quantum processes is that researchers study the processes occurring in materials, but they do not indicate the ways in which quantum sensors and quantum computers are used in practical applications. This article explains how to form a measuring transformer that will be compatible with a quantum computer. The main objective of the study was to bring the results of basic research in the field of quantum computing closer to their application in applied tasks. It is shown how quantum processes can be shifted to the field of technical measurements of physical quantities used in complex systems. In the process of obtaining the results of the study, the hypothetical deductive method and the method of ascent from the abstract to the concrete within the framework of a systematic approach to the development of elements of technical systems were used. The result is a description of the processes of designing of tension sensing element made of modified diamond. The main findings of the study include the fact that quantum sensors implemented in the form of a modified diamond crystal are well described by the theory of measuring transducers with frequency output and can be used to get data about the state of an object.