Tiny defects inside a diamond can now be used to take three-dimensional photos of invisible microwave fields.
April 24, 2026
Original Paper
High-precision 3D microwave field imaging based on [111]-oriented diamond nitrogen-vacancy centers using laser confocal microscopy
SSRN · 6624789
The Takeaway
Microwaves are everywhere, but seeing exactly how they move in three dimensions at a microscopic level is incredibly difficult. This new method uses specific nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamonds to act as miniature sensors. These sensors detect magnetic fields at room temperature with submicron precision. Scientists can now visualize the invisible energy inside complex electronics without using invasive probes or freezing temperatures. This tool will allow for the design of much more efficient wireless communication devices and medical scanners.
From the abstract
With the continuous miniaturization and integration of microwave (MW) devices, the demand for non-invasive, room-temperature three-dimensional (3D) MW field imaging with submicron spatial resolution has increased dramatically. Owing to their exceptional optical stability, high detection sensitivity and room-temperature operability, diamond nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers serve as an ideal platform for high-precision MW field sensing and high-resolution spatial MW field imaging. Accordingly, this w