Australia’s national science agency CSIRO is developing advanced manufacturing methods to transform low-value industrial diamond dust into quantum-grade sensing materials, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s capability in quantum technologies and supporting future manufacturing applications.
According to CSIRO, researchers are working with the University of Melbourne and Japan’s National Institute for Quantum Science and Technology (QST) to convert inexpensive industrial-grade diamond particles into precision nanodiamonds suitable for quantum sensing technologies.
The project seeks to establish a scalable and lower-cost manufacturing pathway for quantum-grade diamond materials that could be produced domestically, reducing reliance on international supply chains while supporting Australia’s broader quantum technology ambitions.
CSIRO said specially engineered diamonds can act as highly sensitive quantum sensors capable of detecting extremely faint magnetic signals from nearby molecules. Such capabilities could support applications including chemical analysis, environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, defence systems and future quantum computing technologies.
The sensing capability relies on atomic-scale defects known as nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres within the diamond crystal structure. These defects enable the diamonds to respond to changes in magnetic and electric fields, temperature and other environmental conditions, allowing them to function as nanoscale sensors.
Researchers are focusing on developing methods to create stable and effective NV centres near the surface of nanodiamonds, where they are most effective for sensing applications. The process involves creating vacancies in the diamond lattice and combining them with nitrogen atoms to form the sensing centres.
CSIRO said the technology could help enable cleaner and safer chemical manufacturing by improving the detection and identification of chemicals in complex mixtures. Potential future applications also include the detection of disease biomarkers and trace environmental contaminants.
The agency noted that many existing diamond-based quantum systems rely on scarce and costly single-crystal diamond materials. By developing a scalable route to nanodiamonds with sensing-ready NV centres, researchers aim to lower production costs and expand access to quantum sensing technologies.
The collaboration with QST provides access to specialised quantum beam and irradiation facilities not currently available in Australia. CSIRO said the partnership is intended to help develop local expertise and eventually establish domestic capability for producing quantum-grade diamond materials without relying on large overseas facilities.
The project is supported by funding from the Australian Government’s Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund and forms part of broader Australia–Japan scientific cooperation.
Over the next stage of the project, researchers will focus on improving the consistency and performance of the nanodiamonds, including refining the placement of NV centres and enhancing surface treatments to improve sensing stability. The materials will also undergo further testing and validation in real-world sensing applications.
CSIRO said the long-term objective is to create an end-to-end Australian manufacturing capability for quantum-grade diamond materials, supporting local industry participation in the emerging global quantum technology supply chain.
