SARS-CoV-2 Quantum Sensing Using NV Centers in Nanodiamonds

Abstract

The application of quantum mechanics in quantum sensing has grown exponentially in the past decade. Nitrogen Vacancy (NV) centers in nanodiamonds have emerged as a leading quantum sensor due to their room temperature coherence and functionality in engineering applications. Specifically, we can use these for biosensing to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2. Green laser excites the NV spins and when they decay to their ground state they emit red fluorescence, providing a mechanism for optical characterization. We attach Gadolinium complexes to the nanodiamonds and in the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA, these complexes detach from the nanodiamond. The detachment is shown by longer relaxation times which we are able to measure. In order to comprehend this process from abstract quantum mechanics to applied physics, we need to formulate a basis for how quantum sensing works, and why NV centers work well in these applications before characterizing their applications to SARS-CoV-2 sensing. This will help to provide a concrete case for the viability of NV center use in quantum sensing.