A recent breakthrough reveals a new class of quantum defects inside synthetic diamonds, reported by researchers at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology where the work was conducted.
The mastery of growing diamond crystals has a long history, with methods refined in the mid to late 20th century. Those synthetic crystals often exhibit remarkable precision, sometimes surpassing natural diamonds in uniformity. Yet certain imperfections in the crystal lattice, or other defect types, draw the attention of physicists because they can trigger and reveal quantum phenomena. For example, some defects emit light when illuminated by laser radiation, and the characteristics of that light depend on the surrounding medium, including temperature. This makes such defects powerful tools for precise sensing, even when samples are as small as nanodiamonds inside living cells.
In this latest study, Artur Nelyubov and colleagues report a new class of defects arising during the manufacture of synthetic gemstones from adamantane. The team notes several distinctive features of these imperfections. Their luminescence spans a spectrum that is about ten times narrower than that of previously known diamond defects. Beyond narrow emission, the diamonds exhibit selective absorption at specific wavelengths, and each defect shows its own unique response to changes in temperature and laser excitation. In practical terms, the way these defects react is more subtle and highly controllable, enabling finer manipulation of the optical signals they generate.
These properties open the door to precise control of every individual flaw within the diamond lattice, a capability that positions such stones as attractive candidates for ultra-precise quantum thermometry. By harnessing the tailored luminescent and absorptive behaviors of the defects, researchers can measure microenvironment temperatures with greater accuracy than before, a feature of particular value in confined or delicate settings where traditional sensors struggle.
The authors envision a future where these engineered diamonds serve as robust, room‑temperature quantum thermometers. Such devices would operate by monitoring shifts in luminescence spectra and absorption patterns, translating subtle thermal changes into readable signals. With further development, these nano- and micro-scale sensors could be integrated into biological systems, materials research, and quantum technologies, providing high‑fidelity temperature readouts without disrupting the environment being measured.
Meanwhile, the work aligns with broader efforts to leverage ultra-thin materials and engineered defects to boost device performance. On a related track, researchers have explored linking the efficiency of solar cells with ultra-thin materials, hinting at a convergence between quantum sensing and energy technologies. The new diamond defects add to a growing toolkit of quantum defects that enable precise, noninvasive measurements at the smallest scales, pushing the boundaries of what is detectable inside complex media.