Optical detection of a subatomic particle with an ultrahigh-resolution carbon sensor

Neutron detection finds wide use in various areas, thus the improvement of the relevant instruments and methods has been focused on for a long time. For the purpose of detecting possible neutrons, in the present paper, we theoretically put forward a carbon nanotube (CNT) sensor based on a single nitrogen-vacancy center coupled to a current-carrying CNT to detect neutrons. With two lasers applied, the accreted mass landing on the nanotube may cause a frequency shift in the probe absorption spectrum. Once the frequency shift is measured, the added mass will be determined. Through the use of this sensor, owing to the small effective mass and high quality factor of the CNT, an ultrahigh mass resolution could be achieved. Due to its ultrahigh resolution, the sensor can be used to detect neutrons. Furthermore, we provide a brand new optical approach for neutron detection.