Optically hyperpolarized nanodiamonds: quantum control and avenues for signal-enhanced NMR

I will describe quantum-assisted modalities to deliver signal enhancements in conventional MRI and NMR mediated by quantum defects in nanodiamond powder. This relies on the use of Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) center spins within the diamond particles that can be optically polarized at room temperature with modest laser powers. This polarization can be transferred to nuclei surrounding the NV spins to hyperpolarize them to levels far above Boltzmann levels, manifesting in a highly enhanced NMR signature. Nanodiamonds are particularly suited for this task, given their large surface areas, and the ability to arrange for close physical contact between the polarized NVs and analyte molecules of interest.

I will discuss our experimental effort in this direction, particularly focusing on new results, including in the prolongation of relaxation and coherence times of hyperpolarized spins, as well as materials advances that yield substantial improvements in ¹³C lattice hyperpolarization levels, and new applications in dual-mode (optical and NMR) hybrid electron-nuclear magnetometers constructed out of hyperpolarized nanoparticles.