Single Molecule Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Microscopy for Complex Spin Systems

The 4D-NMR project aims to overcome the challenge of turning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) from an ensemble measurement technique into a nanoscale technique by reaching single-molecule sensitivity. This breakthrough will be based on resonant, high frequency, electromagnetic excitation and readout including important advances in GHz technology. The capabilities of the novel technology will be used to demonstrate the detection of single-spin NMR and to test the limits of our understanding of nuclear-electron interactions. This novel technology will not only open up new fundamental scientific insights but should also have a strong impact on the markets of NMR and SPM. In this context, the project will be a keystone, demonstrating the novel platform conceived as a versatile upgrade for commercially-available SPMs that can routinely operate in various environments (vacuum, ambient, liquid) with a variety of molecules and materials.