Solid-state spin sensor with a compliant head

A method for measuring a magnetic field comprising:

• placing a solid-state substrate in a first pose that is within view of an optical microscope, the optical microscope coupled to a sensor head with an ortho-planar spring, and wherein the solid-state substrate comprises an embedded ensemble of color centers;
• applying a bias magnetic field to the ensemble of color centers;
• applying an optical driving field to induce an optical transition in the ensemble of color centers;
• collecting first image data indicating fluorescence of the ensemble of color centers when the solid-state substrate is in the first pose;
• determining a pose adjustment derived from the first image data;
• controlling an actuator to move the solid-state substrate from the first pose to a second pose in accordance with the pose adjustment;
• collecting second image data when the solid-state substrate is in the second pose, wherein the second image data comprises fluorescence data relating to the fluorescence of the ensemble of color centers when the solid-state substrate is in the second pose;
• and
• generating a spatially resolved map of a magnetic field coincident with the ensemble of color centers based on the fluorescence data.

A method for measuring a magnetic field at a surface of a sample comprising:

• placing the sample in a first pose such that the sample is in contact with a sensor head, wherein the sensor head comprises a solid-state substrate with an embedded ensemble of color centers and is coupled to an optical microscope with an ortho-planar spring;
• applying a bias magnetic field to the ensemble of color centers;
• applying an optical driving field to induce an optical transition in the ensemble of color centers;
• collecting first image data from the optical microscope when the sample is in the first pose;
• determining a first pose adjustment derived from the first image data;
• controlling an actuator in accordance with the first pose adjustment to move the sample from the first pose to a second pose while maintaining contact between the sample and the sensor head;
• collecting second image data from the optical microscope, the second image data comprising first fluorescence data relating to the fluorescence of the ensemble of color centers when the sample is in the second pose, wherein the first fluorescence data is indicative of a first spatial distribution of a physical property associated with a first region of the sample;
• and
• generating a first spatially resolved map of a first magnetic field based on the first fluorescence data.