Quantum sensors based on isolated spin defects in diamond, most notably the Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) center, have emerged as a new tool for investigating nanoscale magnetism with nanotesla sensitivity and sub-50-nm spatial resolution. Quantum sensors bring some unique features to the table, including non-invasiveness, sensitivity to multiple physical parameters (such as magnetic fields, electric fields or currents), and an absolute quantitative calibration based on natural constants. In this talk, I will introduce the basic concepts and emerging application of the Quantum Scanning Microscope (QSM). After a brief overview of the technology, I will focus on some illustrative examples of application in nanoscale magnetism, including the imaging of domains, domain walls and spin textures in antiferromagnets, the imaging of electric fields from ferroelectrics and multiferroics, and the imaging of current flow in two-dimensional conductors. The talk will conclude with an outlook on future developments and applications of diamond quantum sensors.
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