Nanoscale sensing and imaging in biology using the nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond

Abstract

The use of the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond as a single spin sensor or magnetometer has attracted considerable interest in recent years because of its unique combination of sensitivity, nanoscale resolution, and room temperature operation. These properties, together with long-term photostability of the NV fluorescence and the inherent biocompatibility of diamond, make the NV system ideal for applications in biology. This article focuses on the role of the NV center in biological applications from optical tracking to nanoscale sensing. Copyright © Materials Research Society 2013.