Undergraduate Research & Scholarships

Lucas Zipp L&S Sciences

Developing a high spatial resolution diamond magnetometer

Diamond magnetometry works by probing the electron spin resonances of the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. An NV center is a defect in the diamond crystal structure in which a nitrogen atom is located next to a hole in the lattice structure. An external magnetic field causes a shift in the electron spin energy levels of the NV centers. Using lasers and microwaves, we can manipulate the electron quantum spin states to detect this shift. My goal this summer is to examine the NV defects in diamond with nanometer scale resolution, and to construct a two dimensional map of the electron spin resonances and the corresponding magnetic fields.

Message To Sponsor

Having the chance to do my own independent research in a physics lab this summer will be a highlight of my academic career at Berkeley. It will allow me to apply all the physics knowledge and lab skills that I have learned in the classroom and apply it to new and original research of my own. I will learn how to conduct high quality research as an experimental physicist. I will also have the opportunity of getting to know the other amazing, world class researchers in my group better, and learn what it takes to be an excellent scientist.
Profile image of Lucas Zipp
Major: Physics
Mentor: Dmitry Budker, Physics
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