Quantum-Grade Isotopically Enriched Materials for Quantum Computing and Sensing
Powering Quantum Innovation with Ultra-High Purity 12C Methane and Enriched Gases
Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc. (CIL) has been delivering a portfolio of isotopically enriched, quantum-grade gases engineered for the most advanced quantum applications since 2014. From quantum computers to highly sensitive quantum magnetometers, our materials support industry leaders and academic pioneers worldwide. Innovations like nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center diamonds depend fundamentally on highly isotopically (¹²C) enriched starting material and ultra-low nitrogen content to minimize magnetic noise and maximize spin coherence times.
Recommended Products
¹²C Methane QG-Diamond™ – Enabling NV-Center Diamond Synthesis
CIL’s ¹²C Methane QG-Diamond™ (CLM-392-QGD) is the premier choice, and the only methane currently available on the market, that meets the rigorous requirements for synthesizing NV-center diamonds via CVD methods. Through our multi-million-dollar, state-of-the-art separation facility in Xenia, OH, our proprietary continuous process delivers a product defined by two critical parameters:
Primary Parameter: ≥99.99% ¹²C Enrichment
This is the defining characteristic of CLM-392-QGD. Natural diamond contains about 1.1% of the carbon-13 (¹³C) isotope. Because ¹³C acts like a “little magnet” that destabilizes and destroys quantum states, extreme ¹²C enrichment is absolutely essential to remove this magnetic noise and extend the sensor’s spin coherence time from microseconds to milliseconds.
Secondary Parameter: ≤1 ppm Nitrogen Content
Our ultra-low nitrogen control is an engineering prowess that provides a “clean” starting gas. Background nitrogen (¹⁴N) also acts as a destabilizing magnet. By keeping nitrogen levels below 1 ppm, growers can perfectly control exactly where and how many NV centers are formed without interference from background nitrogen in the environment.
This material is available from stock in aluminum cylinders equipped with brass CGA 350 valves (ranging from 100 L to 5,000 L sizes) and can be ordered directly through our website or distributor network.
Complementary Isotopes for Quantum Diamond Growth
To achieve specific quantum properties, our ¹²C Methane QG-Diamond is frequently bundled with the following complementary products:
¹³C Methane (Catalog No. CLM-429): Essential for those growing NV-center diamonds for quantum computers, typically used to create specialized ¹²C/¹³C sandwich layers.
Nitrogen-15 / ¹⁵N₂ (Catalog No. NLM-363): Used to simplify the diamond’s internal magnetic structure for better sensing, as the ¹⁵N isotope does not destabilize the quantum state like natural ¹⁴N.
Global Leadership and Trusted Partnerships in Quantum Materials
With over 40 years of stable isotope expertise, CIL is the trusted applied market partner supplying the quantum diamond ecosystem. Our ultra-high purity starting materials are utilized by advanced diamond growers, who in turn supply the major industrial players developing revolutionary quantum applications. Notable public-domain projects currently driving the industry include:
Medical Diagnostics and Health Care
Advanced medical diagnostic sensors developed by Siemens Healthineers and Bosch for noninvasive, room-temperature heart (MCG) and brain (MEG) monitoring. Furthermore, Bosch is exploring security and medical applications using NV diamonds integrated into vehicles to monitor the heart rate of the driver.
Battery Management
Bosch’s prototype of a quantum magnetometer for EV battery management, aiming to increase driving ranges by 10% to 20%.
Inertial Navigation
Lockheed Martin’s “Dark Ice” project, which develops robust, GPS-denied inertial navigation systems for aircraft, and submarines.
Quantum Computing
The French company C12 is developing next-generation quantum computer applications utilizing carbon nanotubes, representing a cutting-edge application beyond quantum diamonds.
Global Supply Chain Security for Quantum Materials
Build your next-generation displays on a foundation of certainty. With Advanced Materials from CIL, you lower your total cost of ownership and secure your supply chain without compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is highly enriched ¹²C the most important parameter for quantum diamonds?
The natural abundance of ¹³C is roughly 1.1%. The ¹³C isotope has a nuclear spin that acts like a “little magnet,” creating magnetic noise that destroys quantum information. By utilizing 99.99% enriched ¹²C methane, this magnetic noise is virtually eliminated, improving the coherence time of the sensor’s spin state.
Why is ultra-low nitrogen control (≤1 ppm) the second most critical factor?
For NV diamonds, the quantity and placement of NV centers must be precisely engineered. Background nitrogen (¹⁴N) from the environment acts as a destabilizing magnetic force. Precursors with nitrogen levels below 1 ppm give growers a “clean” canvas to perfectly introduce specialized isotopes, preventing interference.
Do you offer related isotopes for NV center creation?
Yes. To achieve specific quantum properties, our ¹²C Methane QG-Diamond is frequently bundled with nitrogen-15 (¹⁵N₂, Catalog No. NLM-363), which simplifies the diamond’s internal magnetic structure for better sensing. We also offer ¹³C methane (Catalog No. CLM-429) for creating specialized ¹²C/¹³C sandwich layers for quantum computers.
What are the primary applied markets for these NV diamond materials? Quantum-grade NV diamonds enable revolutionary commercial applications, including:
Medical diagnostics and health care: Room-temperature, noninvasive sensors for heart (MCG) and brain (MEG) monitoring, as well as brain-to-machine interfaces.
Battery management: Precision quantum magnetometers that can increase EV battery range by 10% to 20%.
Inertial navigation: GPS-free navigation for vehicles, aircraft, vessels, and submarines via magnetic map matching.
References
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More references
2021
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Stürner, F.M.; Brenneis, A.; Buck, T.; et al. 2021. Integrated and portable magnetometer based on nitrogen-vacancy ensembles in diamond. Ad Quantum Tech, 4, 2000111. Read more.
2020
Zhou, H.; Choi, J.; Choi, S.; et al. 2020. Quantum metrology with strongly interacting spin systems. Phys Rev X, 10, 031003. Read more.
Mindarava, Y.; Blinder, R.; Laube, C.; et al. 2020. Efficient conversion of nitrogen to nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond particles with high-temperature electron irradiation. Carbon, 170, 182-190. Read more.
Zheng, H.; Sun, Z.; Chatzidrosos, G.; et al. 2020. Microwave-free vector magnetometry with nitrogen-vacancy centers along a single axis in diamond. Phys Rev Appl, 13, 044023. Read more.
2019
Michl, J.; Steiner, J.; Denisenko, A.; et al. 2019. Robust and accurate electric field sensing with solid state spin ensembles. Nano Lett, 19(8), 4904-4910. Read more.
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Haruyama, M.; Onoda, S.; Higuchi, T.; et al. 2019. Triple NV centre fabrication by C5N4Hn ion implantation. Nature Commun, 10(1), 2664. PMID: 31197143
Siyushev, P.; Nesladek, M.; Bourgeois, E.; et al. 2019. Photoelectrical imaging and coherent spin-state readout of single nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. Science, 363(6428), 728-731. PMID: 30765564
Kawai, S.; Yamano, H.; Sonoda, T.; et al. 2019. Nitrogen-terminated diamond surface for nanoscale NMR by shallow nitrogen-vacancy centers. J Phys Chem, 123, 3594-3604. Read more.
Pfender, M.; Wang, P.; Sumiya, H.; et al. 2019. High-resolution spectroscopy of single nuclear spins via sequential weak measurements. Nature Commun, 10(1), 594. PMID: 30723212
Choi, J.; Zhou, H.; Choi, S.; et al. 2019. Probing quantum thermalization of a disordered dipolar spin ensemble with discrete time-crystalline order. Phys Rev Lett, 122(4), 043603 (2019). PMID: 30768351
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2018
Angerer, A.; Streltsov, K.; Astner, T.; et al. 2018. Superradiant emission from colour centres in diamond. Nature Phys, 14, 1168-1172. Read more.
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Astner, T.; Gugler, J.; Angerer, A.; et al. 2018. Solid-state electron spin lifetime limited by phononic vacuum modes. Nature Mat, 17, 313-317. Read more.
2017
Aslam, N.; Pfender, M.; Neumann, P.; et al. 2017. Nanoscale nuclear magnetic resonance with chemical resolution. Science, 357(6346), 67-71. PMID: 28572453
Pfender, M.; Aslam, N.; Sumiya, H.; et al. 2017. Nonvolatile nuclear spin memory enables sensor-unlimited nanoscale spectroscopy of small spin clusters. Nature Commun, 8(1), 834(1-12) (2017). PMID: 29018203
Pfender, M.; Aslam, N.; Simon, P.; et al. 2017. Protecting a diamond quantum memory by charge state control. Nano Lett, 17(10), 5931-5937. PMID: 28872881
Choi, S.; Choi, J.; Landig, R.; et al. 2017. Observation of discrete time-crystalline order in a disordered dipolar many-body system. Nature, 543(7644), 221-225. PMID: 28277511
Choi, J.; Choi, S.; Kucsko, G.; et al. 2017. Depolarization dynamics in a strongly interacting solid-state spin ensemble. Phys Rev Lett, 118(9), 093601. PMID: 28306313
Häußler, S.; Thiering, G.; Dietrich, A.; et al. 2017. Photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy of SiV- and GeV- color center in diamond. New J Phys, 19, 063036. Read more.
Onoda, S.; Tatsumi, K.; Haruyama, M.; et al. 2017. Diffusion of vacancies created by high-energy ion strike into diamond. Phys Stat Sol A, 214, 1700160. Read more.
Kageura, T.; Kato, K.; Yamano, H.; et al. 2017. Effect of a radical exposure nitridation surface on the charge stability of shallow nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. Appl Phy Exp, 10, 055503. Read more.
Yamano, H.; Kawai, S.; Kato, K.; et al. 2017. Charge state stabilization of shallow nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond by oxygen surface modification. Jpn J Appl Phys, 56, 04CK08. Read more.
2016
Angerer, A.; Astner, T.; Wirtitsch, D.; et al. 2016. Collective strong coupling with homogeneous Rabi frequencies using a 3D lumped element microwave resonator. Appl Phys Lett, 109, 033508. Read more.
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Scheuer, J.; Schwartz, I.; Chen, Q.; et al. 2016. Optically induced dynamic nuclear spin polarization in diamond. New J Phys, 18, 01304. Read more.
2015
Aslam, N.; Pfender, M.; Stöhr, R.; et al. 2015. Single spin optically detected magnetic resonance with 60–90 GHz (E-band) microwave resonators. Rev Sci Instrum, 86(6), 064704. PMID: 26133855
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Grezes, C.; Julsgaard, B.; Kubo, Y.; et al. 2015. Storage and retrieval of microwave fields at the single-photon level in a spin ensemble. Phys Rev A, 92, 020301(R). Read more.
Onoda, S.; Haruyama, M.; Teraji, T.; et al. 2015. New application of NV centers in CVD diamonds as a fluorescent nuclear track detector. Phys Stat Sol A, 212, 2641-2644. Read more.
Liu, Y.; Chen, G.; Rong, Y.; et al. 2015. Fluorescence polarization switching from a single silicon vacancy colour centre in diamond. Sci Rep, 5, 12244. Read more.
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Wu, Y.; Ermakova, A.; Liu, W.; et al. 2015. Programmable biopolymers for advancing biomedical applications of fluorescent nanodiamonds. Adv Func Mater, 25, 6576-6585. Read more.
2014
Rogers, L.J.; Jahnke, K.D.; Metsch, M.H.; et al. 2014. All optical initialization, readout, and coherence preparation of single silicon-vacancy spins in diamond. Phys Rev Lett, 113(26), 263602. PMID: 25615330
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Sipahigil, A.; Jahnke, K.D.; Rogers, L.J.; et al. 2014. Indistinguishable photons from separated silicon-vacancy centers in diamond. Phys Rev Lett, 113(11), 113602. PMID: 25259977
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Rogers, L.J.; Jahnke, K.L.D. ; Marseglia, L.; et al. 2014. Multiple intrinsically identical single-photon emitters in the solid state. Nat Commun, 5, 4739. PMID: 25162729
Rogers, L.J.; Jahnke, K.L.D. ; Doherty, M.W.; et al. 2014. Electronic structure of the negatively charged silicon-vacancy center in diamond. Phys Rev B, 89, 235101. Read more.
Müller, C.; Kong, X.; Cai, J.-M.; et al. 2014. Nuclear magnetic resonance with single spin sensitivity. Nat Commun, 5, 4703. Read more.
Michl, J.; Teraji, T.; Zaiser, S.; et al. 2014. Perfect alignment and preferential orientation of nitrogen-vacancy centers during chemical vapor deposition diamond growth on (111) surfaces. Appl Phys Lett, 104, 102407. Read more.
Grezes, C.; Julsgaard, B.; Kubo, Y.; et al. 2014. Multi-mode storage and retrieval of few-photon microwave fields in a spin ensemble. Phys Rev X, 4, 021049. Read more.
Waldherr, G.; Wang, Y.; Zaiser, S.; et al. 2014. Quantum error correction in a solid-state hybrid spin register. Nature, 506, 204-207. PMID: 24476818
Antonov, D.; Häußermann, T.; Aird, A.; et al. 2014. Statistical investigation on nitrogen-vacancy center creation. Appl Phys Lett, 104, 012105. Read more.
2013
Yamamoto, T.; Müller, C.; McGuinness, L.P.; et al. 2013. Strongly coupled diamond spin qubits by molecular nitrogen implantation. Phys Rev B, 88, 201201(R). Read more.
Yamamoto, T.; Umeda, T.; Watanabe, K.; et al. 2013. Extending spin coherence times of diamond qubits by high-temperature annealing. Phys Rev B, 88, 075206. Read more.
London, P.; Scheuer, J.; Cai, J.M.; et al. 2013. Detecting and polarizing nuclear spins with double resonance on a single electron spin. Phys Rev Lett, 111(6), 067601. PMID: 23971612
Zhang, J.; Shim, J.H.; Niemeyer, I.; et al. 2013. Experimental implementation of assisted quantum adiabatic passage in a single spin. Phys Rev Lett, 110(24), 240501. PMID: 25165901
Neumann, P.; Jakobi, I.; Dolde, F.; et al. 2013. High precision nanoscale temperature sensing using single defects in diamond. Nano Lett, 13(6), 2738-2742. PMID: 23721106
Niemeyer, I.; Shim, J.H.; Zhang, J.; et al. 2013. Broadband excitation by chirped pulses: application to single electron spins in diamond. New J Phys, 15, 033027. Read more.
Teraji, T.; Taniguchi, T.; Koizumi, S.; et al. 2013. Effective use of source gas for diamond growth with isotopic enrichment. Appl Phys Exp, 6(5), 055601. Read more.
Fiori, A.; Jomard, F.; Teraji, T.; et al. 2013. Synchronized B and 13C diamond delta structures for an ultimate in-depth chemical characterization. Appl Phys Exp, 6, 045801. Read more.
2012
Jahnke, K.D.; Naydenov, B.; Teraji, T.; et al. 2012. Long coherence time of spin qubits in 12C enriched polycrystalline chemical vapor deposition diamond. Appl Phys Lett, 101, 012405. Read more.
Fedder, H.; Zhao, N.; Honert, J.; et al. 2012. Sensing single remote nuclear spins. Nat Nanotechnol, 7, 657-662. PMID: 22941402
Teraji, T.; Taniguchi, T.; Koizumi, S.; et al. 2012. Chemical vapor deposition of 12C isotopically enriched polycrystalline diamond. Jpn J Appl Phys, 51, 090104. Read more.
Kubo, Y.; Diniz, I.; Grezes, C.; et al. 2012. Electron spin resonance detected by a superconducting qubit. Phys Rev B, 86, 064514. Read more.
2011 and earlier
Kubo, K.; Grezes, C.; Dewes, A.; et al. 2011. Hybrid quantum circuit with a superconducting qubit coupled to a spin ensemble. Phys Rev Lett, 107(22), 220501. PMID: 22182018
Balasubramanian, G.; Neumann, P.; Twitchen, D.; et al. 2009. Ultralong spin coherence time in isotopically engineered diamond. Nat Mater, 8(5), 383-387. PMID: 19349970
Mizuochi, N.; Isoya, J.; Niitsuma, TJ.; et al. 2007. The isotope effects between hydrogen and deuterium microwave plasmas on chemical vapor deposition homoepitaxial diamond growth. J Appl Phy, 101, 103501. Read more.
Katagiri, M.; Isoya, J.; Koizumi, S.; et al. 2006. Electron paramagnetic resonance study of phosphorus-doped n-type homoepitaxial diamond films grown by chemical vapor deposition. Appl Mater Sci, 203(13), 3367-3374. Read more.