The ASPIRE–DIAMONDQTECH project brings together leading research groups from Japan and Germany, combining expertise in quantum physics, materials science, nanofabrication, and biomedical applications.
By bridging fundamental science and applied research, the project aims to accelerate the societal and industrial deployment of diamond-based quantum technologies, with impact spanning medicine, communication, and fundamental physics.
List of PI and co-PI
PI | Takeshi Ohshima | Quantum Materials and Applications Research Center Takasaki Institute for Advanced Quantum Science National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Japan | Director | 
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PI | Fedor Jelezko | Director of the Institute of Quantum Optics Ulm University, Germany | Professor | 
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co-PI (WP1) | Takayuki Iwasaki | Institute of Science Tokyo, School of Engineering | Professor | 
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co-PI (WP1) | Dmitry Budker | Johannes Gutenberg University and Helmholtz Institute Mainz, Physics | Professor | 
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co-PI (WP1) | Anke Krüger | University of Stuttgart, Chemistry | Professor | 
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co-PI (WP2) | Hideo Kosaka | Department of Physics, Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University (YNU) Institute of Advanced Sciences, Yokohama National University (IAS) Quantum Information Research Center (QIC) | Professor / Director of Quantum Information Research Center | 
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co-PI (WP2) | Christoph Becher | Saarland University, Physics | Professor | 
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co-PI (WP3) | Norikazu Mizuochi | Kyoto University, Institute for Chemical Research/ Center for Spintronics Research Network | Professor | 
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co-PI (WP3) | Hiromitsu Kato | National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Advanced Power Electronics Research Center | Team Leader | 
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co-PI (WP3) | Tokuyuki Teraji | National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Research Center for Electronic and Optical Materials | Group Leader | 
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co-PI (WP4) | Jason Twamley | Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Quantum Machines Unit | Director of Research Unit /Professor | 
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co-PI (WP4) | Jörg Wrachtrup | University of Stuttgart, Physics | Professor | 
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WP 1: Quantum Sensing
WP1-1 Nanoscale quantum sensing enabled by nanodiamonds
Diamond nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers enable magnetic resonance detection with sensitivities far beyond conventional inductive methods.
Building on this capability, we aim to realize single-molecule NMR spectroscopy using nanodiamonds with precisely engineered surfaces and controlled NV center incorporation.
This will open new possibilities in life sciences and chemistry.
In parallel, we will explore novel sensing modalities, including all-optical thermometry using GeV and SiV centers.
WP1-3 Zero-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
At zero or ultra-low magnetic fields, NMR spectra provide unique information on molecular structure and chemical dynamics.
We will develop diamond-based quantum sensors capable of detecting zero-field NMR signals with nanoscale sensitivity, using both bulk diamond and nanodiamonds.
Optical interfaces and microcavity structures will be explored to enhance signal collection efficiency.
WP1-2 Quantum sensing using levitated nanodiamonds
Levitated particles in high vacuum provide a promising platform for ultra-sensitive sensing of acceleration, magnetic fields, and inertial forces.
In this project, we investigate spin–mechanical coupling in levitated diamonds, using diamond spin qubits to cool the motion of the particle and enhance sensing performance.
These studies also have implications for tests of fundamental physics.
WP1-4 Biomedical Sensing Based on Diamond Spin Qubits
Ensembles of NV centers will be used to develop compact, high-sensitivity magnetic sensors for biomedical applications, including detection of magnetic signals from the brain and heart.
The project targets real-time, non-invasive diagnostics and explores applications such as intraoperative magnetic sensing and proof-of-concept detection of cancer cells using magnetic particle labeling.
Achieving sub-picotesla sensitivity is a key technical objective.
WP2: Quantum Communication
Diamond spin qubits are a leading platform for quantum networks due to their strong optical transitions and long-lived spin coherence.
This work package focuses on improving spin–photon interfaces by integrating NV centers and group-IV color centers (SiV, SnV, PbV) into nanophotonic structures.
We will demonstrate efficient storage and retrieval of photonic quantum states and develop frequency conversion technologies to connect diamond-based quantum nodes with telecom-wavelength photons.
These efforts are closely linked to national quantum network initiatives in Japan and Germany and aim toward the realization of diamond-based quantum repeater nodes.
Protocols using nuclear-spin quantum memories will be explored to enhance entanglement distribution rates.
WP3: Diamond Material Science
WP3-1 Nanodiamonds for Quantum Sensing
We will develop functionalized nanodiamonds optimized for cellular uptake and quantum biosensing.
Surface chemistry, biocompatibility, and targeting efficiency will be systematically investigated.
In addition, new CVD-based growth methods for nanodiamonds will be explored, enabling precise isotopic engineering for improved spin coherence.
WP3-3 Diamond Tips for Scanning Probe Quantum Magnetometry
To enable nanoscale magnetic imaging, we will develop advanced diamond-based scanning probe tips incorporating novel color centers.
These probes are designed to operate under high magnetic fields and at cryogenic temperatures, targeting spatial resolutions below 10 nm.
Efficient generations and stabilization of shallow defects will be a major focus.
WP3-2 Tailored Bulk Diamond for Quantum Applications
Bulk diamond synthesis will address key challenges in both quantum sensing and quantum communication.
These include isotopic purification for long coherence times, controlled orientation of NV centers during growth, and stabilization of charge states.
Special emphasis is placed on materials optimized for integrated quantum devices.
WP4: Coherent Control Tools
Close collaboration between theory and experiment will enable the development of new coherent control protocols tailored to diamond spin qubits. Using optimal control theory and machine learning, we aim to design sensing protocols that adapt dynamically to environmental noise, maximizing sensitivity, and robustness.
Beyond single-qubit sensing, the project explores entanglement-based approaches and the use of Floquet-driven many-body quantum states, including Floquet time crystals, as novel resources for quantum sensing.
ASPIRE-DIAMONDQTECH Administrative Support Office
Quantum Materials and Applications Research Center
Takasaki Institute for Advanced Quantum Science
National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology
1233 Watanuki, Takasaki, Gunma 370-1292, Japan
Email: jimu-Aspire”@”qst.go.jp
