Quantum NMR RF Sensing of Phosphorous-31 (31P) and Fluorine-19 (19F) Using Pentacene-Doped Organic Crystals for Precision-Threat Identification
Technical Abstract
The proposed project aims to develop a pioneering Quantum NMR RF Sensing system using pentacene-doped p-terphenyl crystals to detect and identify phosphorus-31 (³¹P) and fluorine-19 (¹⁹F) nuclei in hazardous materials, such as chemical weapons, explosives, and nuclear substances. Leveraging the high sensitivity and precision of quantum sensing technology, this system is designed to detect trace amounts of these elements with unparalleled accuracy, providing a transformative tool for national security and defense applications.
Pentacene-doped p-terphenyl crystals offer several key advantages over traditional Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers in diamond for quantum sensing. These crystals exhibit extended coherence times at room temperature, high-purity production, and enhanced optical detection due to increased non-interacting qubit spins. This defect-free environment significantly improves sensitivity, and their scalability makes them suitable for widespread deployment. The ability to precisely control qubit concentration ensures optimized performance and precision for complex environments.
The Quantum NMR RF Sensing system integrates advanced quantum heterodyne sensing and spinlock techniques, enabling sub-picotesla detection capabilities crucial for identifying weak NMR signals in challenging conditions. The system’s core innovation lies in its ability to detect and differentiate ³¹P and ¹⁹F NMR signatures, offering precise identification of chemical and nuclear agents. This capability will provide defense forces with a robust early-warning system, enabling proactive mitigation of threats.
The project is structured around four major tasks. First, high-purity pentacene-doped p-terphenyl crystals will be designed and fabricated to meet the sensitivity requirements of quantum sensing. Second, a Quantum RF Magnetometer prototype will be developed, integrating key components such as microwave pulse delivery, optical detection, and bias magnetic field control systems. Third, quantum sensing protocols will be optimized to detect weak NMR signals of ³¹P and ¹⁹F, ensuring high signal-to-noise ratios and detection accuracy. Lastly, the final report will be delivered at the end of Phase I, detailing the results and providing recommendations for Phase II prototype development.
This is the first time pentacene-doped p-terphenyl crystals will be applied to RF quantum sensing. Demonstrating the feasibility of this approach will unlock broader applications in industries such as quantum computing, chemical detection, and information processing. Successful completion of this project will revolutionize the detection and identification of chemical and nuclear threats, offering new capabilities for national security, defense, and law enforcement.
Anticipated benefits/Potential Commercial applications for this research
The proposed research on Quantum NMR RF Sensing using pentacene-doped p-terphenyl crystals offers significant benefits and commercial potential across multiple sectors, particularly in defense, security, environmental monitoring, and chemical detection. This technology’s ability to detect trace amounts of hazardous materials, such as chemical weapons, explosives, and nuclear substances, will be a powerful tool for enhancing national security and public safety. By enabling early detection of phosphorus-31 (³¹P) and fluorine-19 (¹⁹F) NMR signatures—key components in many dangerous materials—this quantum sensing system will revolutionize threat detection in military operations, border security, and critical infrastructure protection.
The technology's commercial potential is substantial, with the global market for chemical detection systems, particularly in defense and security, expected to reach billions of dollars in the coming years. The system's miniaturized, scalable, and cost-effective design makes it ideal for capturing a significant share of this growing market. It can be adapted for various industries, including homeland security, transportation, and energy, where chemical threat detection is crucial.
Immediate applications for this quantum sensor include deployment by government agencies such as the DoD, DHS, and law enforcement for real-time detection of hazardous materials in high-risk areas. The system offers significant operational advantages by detecting and neutralizing threats before escalation, improving response times, and reducing risks to lives and assets. Environmental monitoring agencies and industries handling hazardous chemicals will also benefit from the system's precision in detecting pollutants and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Additionally, the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors present another major commercial opportunity. The sensitivity of this technology could lead to advanced applications in medical diagnostics, drug discovery, and biosecurity. Detecting specific isotopes like ³¹P and ¹⁹F in medical imaging could enhance MRI precision and contribute to the development of new therapies and treatments.
Key words:
Quantum Sensing, NMR Detection, Pentacene-Doped p-Terphenyl Crystals, Quantum RF Magnetometer, Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance (ODMR), Quantum Heterodyne Sensing