All-Optical Modulation of Fluorescent Nanodiamonds for Practical Applications

Because of ultrahigh photostability, nanoscale volume emitting strong fluorescent signal, and low cytotoxicity, fluorescent nanodiamonds (FND) containing nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers are regarded as promising fluorescent markers in various applications. Here, based on optical polarization-selective excitation phenomenon of NV centers, we provided FNDs with more useful functions, including orientation measurement and providing high-dimensional anticounterfeiting information. Particularly, our scheme showed two characteristics: 1) easy-to-implement solution; 2) useful functions. Specifically, our scheme can be conveniently achieved based on mature commercial sample and common microscope with slight modification. Utilizing the orientation measurement of FNDs, we provided the information for cell traction force in a new dimension (rotational dimension). Based on the 3D anticounterfeiting information from FNDs, we achieved physical unclonable function labels, well satisfying common commercial and anticounterfeiting requirements. In above application scenarios, our scheme has little negative influence due to all-optical manipulation.