Sensing phases of water via nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond.

ABSTRACT: Ultra-thin layers of liquids on a surface behave differently from bulk liquids due to liquid-surface interactions. Some examples are significant changes in diffusion properties and the temperature at which the liquid-solid phase transition takes place. Indeed, molecular dynamics simulations suggest that thin layers of water on a diamond surface may remain solid even well above room temperature. However, because of the small volumes that are involved, it is exceedingly difficult to examine these phenomena experimentally with current technologies. In this context, shallow NV centres promise a highly sensitive tool for the investigation of magnetic signals emanating from liquids and solids that are deposited on the surface of a diamond. Moreover, NV centres are non-invasive sensors with extra

SUBMITTER: Fernandez-Acebal P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6128937 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature