Polarization-sensitive vector magnetometry using nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond

By using an ensemble of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers, the vector components of a time-varying (AC) magnetic field are measured in a phase sensitive manner. This allows for the determination of the magnetic field’s polarization. This polarization contains useful information about the nearby magnetic environment, such as the response of lossy or anisotropic materials, or the reactance of electrical currents.