Robust AC Vector Sensing at Zero Magnetic Field with Pentacene

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Authors: Boning Li, Garrett Heller, Jungbae Yoon, Alexander Ungar, Hao Tang, Guoqing Wang, Patrick Hautle, Yifan Quan, Paola Cappellaro
Cited by: 2
References: 72

Abstract

Quantum sensors based on electronic spins have emerged as powerful probes of microwave-frequency fields. Among other solid-state platforms, spins in molecular crystals offer a range of advantages, from high spin density to functionalization via chemical tunability. Here, we demonstrate microwave vector magnetometry using the photoexcited spin triplet of deuterated pentacene molecules, operating at zero external magnetic field and room temperature. We achieve full three-dimensional microwave field reconstruction by detecting the Rabi frequencies of anisotropic spin-triplet transitions associated with two crystallographic orientations of pentacene in naphthalene crystals. We further introduce a phase alternated protocol that extends the rotating-frame coherence time by an order of magnitude and enables sensitivities of 1 ⁡ μ T / H z with sub-micrometer spatial resolution. These results establish pentacene-based molecular spins as a practical and high-performance platform for microwave quantum sensing, and the control techniques are broadly applicable to other molecular and solid-state spin systems.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced NMR Techniques and Applications Magnetism in coordination complexes Mechanical and Optical Resonators

Publication details

Journal / source
Nano Letters
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Volume
26
Issue
10
Pages
3454–3462
Publication date
6 March 2026
Language
EN