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    Microwave-free vector magnetic-field measurement using a single nitrogen-vacancy-center spin in diamond

    Yuhai Wang, Liye Zhao*, and Lumin Ji

    • Key Laboratory of Micro-Inertial Instrument and Advanced Navigation Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, and State Key Laboratory of Comprehensive PNT Network and Equipment Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China4d772

    • *Contact author: liyezhao@seu.edu.cn

    Phys. Rev. A 113, 062618 – Published 17 June, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/mzch-46n9

    Abstract

    Magnetic field sensors based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers have attracted considerable attention due to their high sensitivity and spatial resolution. However, conventional vector magnetometry typically relies on either the four axes of ensemble NV centers or three orthogonal reference magnetic fields. Here, we propose a microwave-free vector magnetometry scheme that employs a reference magnetic field applied to a single NV center. We investigate the influence of electric field coupling and N14 nuclear spin hyperfine splitting on the oscillation dynamics, employing a strong reference pulse magnetic field to mitigate nuclear spin depolarization near the ground-state level anticrossing region. Specifically, a straightforward Rabi technique is utilized to ascertain the magnitude and polar angle of the magnetic field based on the amplitude and frequency of oscillations. The magnitude, polar angle, and azimuthal angle of the target magnetic field are estimated by varying the strength of the reference magnetic field. This method can be extended to ensembles of NV centers. In comparison to conventional microwave driving techniques, this method obviates the need for microwave components and eliminates the requirement for devices that generate orthogonal three-dimensional magnetic fields, thereby streamlining the technical framework.

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