Paleomagnetism studies with NV widefield magnetic microscopy

POSTER

Abstract

We will discuss using nitrogen-vacancy (NV) defect centers in diamond to measure the magnetic field of rock samples for paleomagnetism analysis. NV magnetic microscopy achieves micron-scale spatial resolution that is otherwise inaccessible for rock paleomagnetism studies. This enables us to spatially distinguish between different ferromagnetic minerals and isolate high-coercivity magnetic inclusions from possible contamination. In addition to presenting continuing sensitivity and instrumentation improvements, we will describe ongoing paleomagnetism measurements, including constraining the magnetic field strength of the early Earth and assessing whether meteorite parent bodies had magnetic dynamo activity.

Authors

  • David Glenn

    • Harvard University

  • Roger Fu

    • Columbia University

  • Pauli Kehayias

    • Harvard University

  • Eduardo Lima

    • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  • Chenchen Luo

    • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  • Benjamin Weiss

    • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  • Ronald Walsworth

    • Harvard University