Scientists believe diamonds can identify atoms in viruses

Scientists have previously used microscopes that have needle-like probes down to the atomic scale to detect atoms. However, they could not identify exactly what kind of atom they were dealing with. 

If a diamond is placed on the end of such a probe then it is possible to read the magnetic field signature of atoms. This can then be used to make a more accurate prediction.

Defects within a diamond hold electrons that act rather like a compass, lining up with even the very weak magnetic field emanating from the core of an atom.

One problem with this technology is that the compass has not been able to get close enough to the atom.

The team at Oxford has devised a theory that suggests that if an additional ‘compass’ is placed on the outside of the diamond, the probe can get closer to the atoms and detect their magnetic signature more accurately. The additional compass is referred to by the team as an ‘amplifier’ molecule and could be anything that has a free electron.