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DIY nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer built for under $100 using Raspberry Pi Pico

Shreeaa Rathi | Jul 10, 2025, 21:03 IST
Quantum Computing on Kitchen Table
Image credit : TIL Creatives
In an impressive feat of ingenuity, Skywo1f has crafted a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer for less than $100. This innovative device manipulates protons to observe shifts in their quantum spin states, all powered by a Raspberry Pi Pico. Enhanced with robust shielding and optimized coil winding, the spectrometer effectively eliminates false positives through rigorous control experiments.
I assemble a quantum computer prototype on my kitchen table. The oscilloscope displays a complex waveform as I solder components onto the circuit board.

Hackaday.io poster [skywo1f] has recently shared his construction of a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer for under $100, a project designed to disturb protons and detect changes in their quantum spin states, representing a significant step in his multi-year quantum computer project. This NMR device, driven by a Raspberry Pi Pico, incorporates improvements like proper shielding and better coil winding, demonstrating experiments that would typically require million-dollar laboratories. The device is an important building block in one flavor of quantum computer.



[skywo1f]'s NMR spectrometer is designed to interact with protons, which align with the Earth’s magnetic field. An electric coil is used to disturb these protons.



Once disturbed, the protons nutate and flip quantum spin states. The NMR device detects these spin state changes.



[skywo1f] conducted control experiments to eliminate false positives. These are "annoyingly prevalent in experimental physics".



The newest iteration of the device includes several improvements. These include proper shielding, quieter power topology, and better coil winding in the core.



Cost was a primary consideration in the assembly. The device remains sensitive enough to conduct experiments.



A Raspberry Pi Pico drives the entire system.



Hackaday appreciates experiments that "should be happening in million-dollar laboratories chugging along on kitchen tables". Examples include a magnetohydrodynamic drive system and PCB etching.



"[skywo1f] doesn’t seem to be running any quantum calculations yet, but the NMR device is an important building block in one flavor of quantum computer , so we’re excited to see where he takes his work next."



One commenter stated, "I follow this project since two years, very impressive (y) I hope one day every one can build their DIY quantum computer like our fathers did in the last century :)"



The project reflects a trend of accessible scientific experimentation.