Quantum Diamond Sensor for Cancer Detection – University of Warwick
- Researchers at the University of Warwick have unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in cancer detection: a quantum diamond sensor.
- Detecting cancer becomes considerably more complex when the disease spreads - metastasizes - to other parts of the body, frequently enough traveling through the lymphatic system.
- The newly developed sensor leverages the unique quantum properties of diamonds.
A Diamond in the Fight Against Cancer: New Sensor Offers precise, Non-Toxic Detection
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Published August 20, 2025
Researchers at the University of Warwick have unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in cancer detection: a quantum diamond sensor. This innovative technology, detailed in Physical Review Applied, promises more accurate and less invasive methods for identifying and treating cancer, particularly in cases where the disease has metastasized.
The Challenge of Metastasis and Current Detection Methods
Detecting cancer becomes considerably more complex when the disease spreads – metastasizes – to other parts of the body, frequently enough traveling through the lymphatic system. Current methods for tracing this spread often rely on techniques with limitations.Radioactive tracers, while effective, require specialized handling and aren’t universally available. Traditional dye-based methods,like the use of blue dye,carry a risk of allergic reactions – affecting approximately one in one hundred patients.
How the Quantum Diamond Sensor Works
The newly developed sensor leverages the unique quantum properties of diamonds. Specifically, it utilizes nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres within the diamond’s structure.Thes atomic-scale defects allow the diamond to detect incredibly subtle changes in magnetic fields. The sensor works in conjunction with magnetic tracer fluid (iron oxide nanoparticles) injected into the patient. This fluid travels alongside metastasizing cancer cells to the lymph nodes. The diamond sensor than precisely locates the tracer fluid, pinpointing the affected lymph nodes for surgical removal.
Remarkably, this sensor can detect the tracer fluid at concentrations one hundredth of the typical clinical dose, demonstrating its extraordinary sensitivity. The device itself is remarkably compact – with a sensor head measuring just 10mm – making it suitable for minimally invasive procedures like endoscopic surgery.
A Compact and versatile Design
the sensor’s design is a critically important achievement.It utilizes a 0.5mm diamond coupled with a small permanent magnet, eliminating the need for bulky external electronics. This results in a handheld, versatile tool that can be easily integrated into surgical workflows. As Professor Gavin Morley, the group leader at the University of warwick’s Department of Physics, explains, “Diamonds can sense magnetic fields thanks to colour centres…They allow the diamond to detect minimal changes in the magnetic field and give the diamonds a lovely pink colour.”
The potential applications extend far beyond cancer detection. Researchers envision using these magnetic field sensors in diverse fields, including spacecraft technology and fusion power research.
Clinical Perspective
Stuart Robertson,a Consultant Breast Cancer Surgeon at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust,highlights the practical benefits of this technology. “I now regularly utilise magnetic localisation in my breast cancer work…it offers advantages over more traditional techniques. It’s great to collaborate with the University of Warwick, exploring ways to optimise magnetic technology further.”