Nanoscale NMR of DNA-Functionalized Diamond Using Individual NV Centers

RESUMO

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful probe of molecular structure and dynamics but typically requires large spin ensembles. Here, we demonstrate nanoscale NMR detection of fluorinated DNA using individual near-surface nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond nanopillar waveguides under ambient conditions. We covalently tether $^{19}$F-labeled oligonucleotides to mixed nitrogen- and oxygen-terminated surfaces, localizing target spins within the nanoscale sensing volume. Probabilistic spin simulations suggest that the measured signals are consistent with those expected from a few molecules and depend strongly on NV-molecule separation, configuration, and local surface heterogeneity. These results establish a framework for NMR of surface-tethered biomolecules and identify key challenges for single-molecule structural elucidation.