Optimal bi-planar gradient coil configurations for diamond nitrogen-vacancy based diffusion-weighted NMR experiments

INTRODUCTION: Diffusion weighting in optically detected magnetic resonance experiments involving diamond nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers can provide valuable microstructural information. Bi-planar gradient coils employed for diffusion weighting afford excellent spatial access, essential for integrating the NV-NMR components. Nevertheless, owing to the polar tilt of roughly [Formula: see text] of the diamond NV center, the primary magnetic field direction must be taken into account accordingly. METHODS: To determine the most effective bi-planar gradient coil configurations, we conducted an investigation into the impact of various factors, including the square side length, surface separation, and surface orientation. This was accomplished by generating over 500 bi-planar surface configurations using automated methods. RESULTS: We successfully generated and evaluated coil layouts in terms of sensitivity and field accuracy. Interestingly, inclined bi-planar orientations close to the NV–NMR setup’s requirement, showed higher sensitivity for the transverse gradient channels than horizontal or vertical orientations. We fabricated a suitable solution as a three-channel bi-planar double-layered PCB system and experimentally validated the sensitivities at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for the transverse [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] gradients, and [Formula: see text] for the [Formula: see text] gradient. DISCUSSION: We found that the chosen relative bi-planar tilt of [Formula: see text] represents a reasonable compromise in terms of overall performance and allows for easier coil implementation with a straight, horizontal alignment within the overall experimental setup.