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  • Open Access

Endoscopic diamond magnetometer for cancer surgery

A.J. Newman1,2,*, S.M. Graham1,2, C.J. Stephen1,2, A.M. Edmonds3, M.L. Markham3, and G.W. Morley1,2,†

  • *Contact author: Alex.Newman@warwick.ac.uk
  • †Contact author: Gavin.Morley@warwick.ac.uk
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Phys. Rev. Applied 24, 024029 – Published 12 August, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/znt3-988w

Abstract

Intraoperative measurements using magnetic sensors are a valuable technique in cancer surgery for finding magnetic tracers. Here we present a fiber-coupled nitrogen-vacancy center magnetometer capable of detecting iron oxide suspension (MagTrace™ from Endomagnetics Ltd.) used in breast cancer surgeries. Detection of an iron mass as low as 0.56 mg has been demonstrated, 100 times less than that of a recommended dose at a maximum distance of 5.8 mm. Detection of an iron concentration as low as 2.8 mg/ml has also been demonstrated, 20 times less than a recommended dose. The maximum working distance from the sensor can be as large as 14.6 mm for higher concentrations. The sensor head has a maximum diameter of 10 mm which would allow it to be used for endoscopy, laparoscopy, and intraoperative surgery.

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Phys. Rev. Applied 24, 024029– Published 12 August, 2025
  • Received 9 April 2025
  • Revised 10 June 2025
  • Accepted 16 July 2025
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Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article’s title, journal citation, and DOI.

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