Towards ubiquitous radio access using nanodiamond based quantum receivers

The development of sixth-generation (6G) wireless communication systems demands innovative solutions to address challenges in the deployment of a large number of base stations and the detection of multi-band signals. Quantum technology, specifically nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds, offers promising potential for the development of compact, robust receivers capable of supporting multiple users. For the first time, we propose a multiple access scheme using fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) containing NV centers as nano-antennas. The unique response of each FND to applied microwaves allows for distinguishable patterns of fluorescence intensities, enabling multi-user signal demodulation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our FNDs-implemented receiver by simultaneously transmitting two uncoded digitally modulated information bit streams from two separate transmitters, achieving a low bit error ratio. Moreover, our design supports tunable frequency band communication and reference-free signal decoupling, reducing communication overhead. Furthermore, we implement a miniaturized device comprising all essential components, highlighting its practicality as a receiver serving multiple users simultaneously. This approach paves the way for the integration of quantum sensing technologies in future 6G wireless communication networks.