How it works
Quantum Nuova is a next-generation sensing platform that utilizes nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in nanodiamonds. It enables nanoscale magnetic noise measurements and free radical quantification with exceptional spatial resolution and sensitivity. Powered by integrated confocal microscopy and optical detection.
Quantum Sensing
Quantum sensing with NV centers allows for the detection of magnetic noise at the nanoscale. This technology enables highly sensitive measurements of magnetic environments, ranging from single electron spins to complex cellular systems.
NV center nanodiamonds
NV centers are atomic-scale defects in the diamond lattice with unique quantum properties. When embedded in nanodiamonds, they act as localized sensors that can be optically initialized, manipulated, and read out under ambient conditions. These features make them ideal for both foundational research and applied scientific studies.
Magnetic noise detection
Leveraging the quantum coherence of NV centers, Quantum Nuova detects magnetic noise in the nanotesla range. This sensitivity enables the observation of individual electron spin dynamics and local magnetic fluctuations—essential for spintronics, molecular magnetism, and biosensing applications.
Magnetic noise detection via NV fluorescence
NV centers are excited using a pulsed green laser, followed by a brief dark period during which they relax and emit fluorescence. The intensity of this fluorescence depends on surrounding magnetic noise:
- Low noise → slower decay, higher emission
- High noise → faster decay, lower emission
This change in emission reveals local magnetic fluctuations—such as those generated by free radicals—enabling non-invasive magnetic sensing.
Magnetic noise spectroscopy
Quantum Nuova supports magnetic noise spectroscopy to detect signals arising from nearby paramagnetic species. This technique is particularly effective in biological environments, where variations in NV center relaxation times reflect the presence and concentration of magnetic particles, free radicals, or metal ions.
Free radical concentration
With quantum precision, NV centers enable the detection of magnetic noise at the nanoscale. This technology allows for highly sensitive mapping of magnetic environments, from single electron spins to cellular systems.
Real-time chemical detection through quantum sensing
The platform facilitates detection and quantification of free radical species—such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS)—with nanomolar sensitivity, even in live-cell environments. NV-based magnetic noise spectroscopy enables precise, real-time monitoring of oxidative stress and radical activity.
Quantitative analysis with T1 cuves
Changes in NV center relaxation behavior correlate directly with free radical concentration. The platform generates spatially resolved, quantitative maps of radical levels, unlocking applications in disease research, drug efficacy profiling, and environmental monitoring.
Non-invasive radical detection
The system uses a green laser excitation and time-resolved fluorescence detection approach to measure changes in the local magnetic environment. This method converts magnetic fluctuations into optical signals—without requiring physical contact, sample modification, or external microwave fields.
Integrated confocal microscope
The Quantum Nuova includes a fully integrated confocal microscopy system to visualize, target, and read out individual NV centers in 2D and 3D.
Features
532 nm laser for optical excitation
High-sensitivity APD detectors for fluorescence collection
Fast 2D scanning mirrors and piezo XYZ stage
Precision alignment and automated image acquisition
Applications in imaging and sensing
- Simultaneous imaging and sensing at sub-micron resolution using confocal setup
- Enables performance of ODMR + T1 mapping on a sample
- Facilitates studies of: chemical gradients, nanoscale magnetic domains and cellular oxidative responses
Clinical applications
Quantum Nuova opens new possibilities for clinical and translational science by enabling real-time, subcellular detection of oxidative stress, a key driver across many diseases. By capturing functional free radical activity at the single-cell level, it supports biomarker discovery, patient stratification, and therapy response prediction in several critical fields:
Monitor cellular stress linked to neuronal and glial cell damage through free radical biomarkers
Common questions
Research & Development
Nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers are nitrogen atoms and an adjacent vacancy, which replace carbon atoms in diamonds. Diamonds with such defects are called fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs). The NV centers can be exploited to perform quantum measurements. The fluorescence from excited NV centers can be measured to detect surrounding magnetic field resonances (magnetic noise) with high sensitivity and spatial resolution.
This approach is valuable because it allows for localized, non-invasive measurements of free radicals within living cells without the need for external markers or dyes, which can affect cell viability or introduce measurement biases. T1 relaxometry's ability to detect free radicals down to nanomolar concentrations and its application across various biological contexts (e.g., drug delivery, research) underscores its potential to advance our understanding of cellular dynamics and disease mechanisms.
Using quantum sensing in the form of diamond magnetometry allows you to take measurements of extremely sensitive nanoscale magnetic noise, otherwise near impossible to detect. Analogously to T1 measurements in conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), relaxometry allows the detection of different concentrations of paramagnetic species. In this way you can recreate an MRI with subcellular resolution.
The confocal microscope is primarily used to localize the functionalized nanodiamonds that have been injected into the cell for quantum sensing. Once the location is known, the nanodiamonds can be pumped into an excited state by the laser to be used for quantum sensing. It can also be used to image the cells.
The Quantum Nuova is fully enclosed so the user has no interaction with the laser light, inner electronics, or alignment. Furthermore, a cell incubator can be attached for samples requiring specific conditions. The instrument is safe to use in an environment adhering to standard laboratory rules.
