Quantum sensing in your pocket
OLEDs can be used to map magnetic fields using magnetic resonance.
Smartphones could one day become portable quantum sensors thanks to a new chip-scale approach that uses organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) to image magnetic fields. Researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science at UNSW Sydney have demonstrated that OLEDs can be used to map magnetic fields using magnetic resonance. Sensing of magnetic fields has important applications in scientific research, industry and medicine. This technique is able to function at microchip scale and does not require input from a laser.
The majority of existing quantum sensing and magnetic field imaging equipment is relatively large and expensive, requiring either optical pumping from a high-powered laser or very low cryogenic temperatures. This limits the device integration potential and commercial scalability of such approaches. By contrast, the OLED sensing device prototyped in this work would ultimately be small, flexible and mass-producible. The techniques involved in achieving this are electrically detected magnetic resonance (EDMR) and optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR). This is achieved using a camera and microwave electronics to optically detect magnetic resonance, the same physics which enables magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Using OLEDs for EDMR and ODMR depends on correctly harnessing the spin behaviour of electrons when they are in proximity to magnetic fields. OLEDs, which are highly sensitive to magnetic fields, are already found in mass-produced electronics like televisions and smartphones, making them an attractive prospect for commercial development in new technologies. Dane McCamey of UNSW said: “Our device is designed to be compatible with commercially available OLED technologies, providing the unique ability to map magnetic field over a large area or even a curved surface. You could imagine using this technology being added to smartphones to help with remote medical diagnostics, or identifying defects in materials.” Rugang Geng added: “While our study demonstrates a clear technology pathway, more work will be required to increase the sensitivity and readout times.” (Source: ARC / UNSW)
Link: ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science, School of Physics, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
most read
Growth of the U.S. Robotics Industry and New National Robotics Strategies
The U.S. market for industrial robots grew by 11 percent in 2025: According to preliminary figures from the International Federation of Robotics, approximately 38,000 units were newly installed.
Global robot density: Western Europe leads ahead of North America and Asia
In the EU-27, the robot density is 231, which is above the global average of 132.
Igus Expands Its Bicycle Line with an Electric Model
The new e-bike is designed for urban use and features a 60 Nm rear-wheel motor, a carbon-fiber and plastic toothed belt, and a battery with a range of up to 120 kilometers.
Humanoid Robotics in Industry: Advanced Humanoid Forum 2027
The focus is on real-world use cases, technical validation, and integration into existing production and work processes.
27th VDI Automation Congress: Laying the Groundwork for Industrial AI and Automation
The 27th VDI Automation Congress in Baden-Baden focused on digital data sovereignty in future industrial AI applications.