Quantum probes dramatically improve detection of nuclear spins

Researchers have demonstrated a way to detect nuclear spins in molecules noninvasively, providing a new tool for biotechnology and materials science. Important research in medicine and biology relies on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, but until now, it has been limited in spatial resolution and typically requires powerful microwave fields. Scientists have now used a quantum probe to perform microwave-free NMR at the nanoscale.