Revolutionary sensor discovered: real-time measurement of material defects!

Revolutionary sensor discovered: real-time measurement of material defects!

On October 15, 2025, scientists at Humboldt University in Berlin presented a novel method for precisely measuring defects in crystal lattices. This development could have far-reaching implications for the technology of materials used in modern applications such as computer chips and quantum dots. Identifying and controlling impurities in the crystal lattice is critical because missing atoms in the lattice structure can trap electrons and electrical charges, resulting in unwanted electromagnetic noise. Humboldt University of Berlin reports that the “Integrated Quantum Photonics” research group together with the “Joint Lab Diamond Nanophotonics” at the Ferdinand Braun Institute under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Tim Schröder developed this innovative technology.

The challenge of locating charge traps on the atomic size scale has been addressed with a newly designed sensor. This exploits defects in the crystal lattice, particularly the combination of two vacancies and a foreign atom, known as the color center. Color centers have the ability to act as sensors to effectively analyze material properties. The new sensor enables the precise detection of individual electrical charges and thus guarantees real-time monitoring that allows measurements at intervals of up to a millionth of a second.

Applications and meaning

The research was recently published in the journal Nature Communications, underscoring its scientific relevance. The sensor's specific sensitivity to electric fields opens up new possibilities for materials scientists in the quantum age. By introducing the color center into an artificial diamond, color changes in light can be used to localize charge traps. This could promote significant advances in the development and analysis of solid-state materials.

The technology has been patented in both Germany and the USA, a sign of the international interest in this research. Dr. Gregor Pieplow and Cem Güney Torun played a key role in the development of the sensor, whose potential is particularly emphasized for future applications in various technological areas. The team's work highlights the profound connection between materials science and quantum photonics and could have far-reaching ω consequences for digital technology.

At a time when the focus is increasingly on the efficiency and reliability of materials, this development is an important step forward. Precisely locating defects in crystal lattices could help optimize the performance of existing technologies and develop new ones.

For more details on this groundbreaking research, please visit science-online.org.