Omnidirectional Diamond-Based Vector Magnetometers

Vector magnetometers provide lots of information for applications that require analysis of magnetic source ranging from bio-imaging to geophysical exploration. Magnetometer based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, as an unprecedented combination of spatial resolution and magnetic sensitivity, however, normally need complex manipulation to distinguish the correspondence between field projections and NV axes, or even unable to measure certain field directions. We developed an omnidirectional vector magnetometry that is not only intelligent and convenient, but also capable of measuring dead zones due to overlapping. With conventional laboratory setup and commercial NV samples, we achieved an angular resolution around 0.02° in all direction of magnetic field and an angular error around 0.2°. The angular resolution is expected to reach arc seconds by optimization of experimental conditions. This method can improve the universality and practicality of NV magnetometers, and promote the development of NV towards industrial magnetometers.