Advancements in 2D Materials: Quantum Emitters from h-BN Defects

June 30, 2025
Advancements in 2D Materials: Quantum Emitters from h-BN Defects

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Rice University, in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Technology, Sydney, have demonstrated a method to synthesize low-noise, room-temperature quantum emitters through a scalable technique involving carbon-doped hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). Published on June 25, 2025, in the journal *Science Advances*, this research marks a significant step forward in the quest for scalable quantum technologies.

Quantum computing relies on qubits, the fundamental units of quantum information, analogous to bits in classical computing. However, generating reliable qubits has posed substantial challenges. Hexagonal boron nitride has emerged as a promising candidate for hosting solid-state single-photon emitters (SPEs), essential for various quantum applications, including quantum computing and secure communication.

The research team, led by Arka Chatterjee, a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Shengxi Huang, utilized pulsed laser deposition (PLD) to synthesize h-BN films, intentionally incorporating carbon atoms into the crystal lattice. This integration produces defects that serve as effective SPEs rather than impairing the structure. “Our work demonstrates a scalable method to create high-performance SPEs in h-BN, offering a major step toward practical quantum light sources,” stated Chatterjee.

Prior attempts to develop stable h-BN emitters faced limitations due to high-temperature synthesis processes or post-synthesis treatments that compromised the material's purity and reliability. The novel approach presented by the researchers not only integrates doping directly into the synthesis process but also operates at lower temperatures, enhancing reproducibility and scalability, according to Huang, an associate professor at Rice University.

Testing of the carbon-doped h-BN films revealed exceptional properties, including high brightness, strong polarization, and robust photostability, making them suitable for integration into chip-based quantum devices. The study's findings could potentially lead to breakthroughs in quantum information systems and photonic technologies.

In the context of quantum technology's rapid evolution, this research contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting the viability of solid-state systems for practical applications. Notably, the study's insights into the carbon-induced defect structures provide a new understanding of how to engineer materials for optimal quantum performance.

As quantum computing moves from theoretical models to real-world applications, advancements such as these highlight the importance of material science in overcoming existing barriers. The development of reliable SPEs may pave the way for the next generation of quantum communication, information processing, and sensing technologies. The implications of this research extend beyond technical achievements, suggesting a future where quantum technologies are integrated into everyday applications, enhancing computational capabilities and secure communications globally.

This work, authored by Chatterjee et al., represents a significant milestone in the field of quantum materials science, establishing a new benchmark for the design and synthesis of quantum emitters. The authors emphasize that continued research and collaboration are essential to further advance the integration of quantum technologies into practical applications, promising a transformative impact on various industries.

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quantum computinghexagonal boron nitridecarbon dopingsingle-photon emittersquantum emitterspulsed laser depositionRice UniversityOak Ridge National LaboratoryUniversity of Technology Sydneyquantum technologymaterials sciencequantum information systemssolid-state physicsphotonic devicesquantum communicationquantum sensorsresearch collaborationscientific breakthroughshigh-purity emissionscalable synthesis techniquesdefect engineeringphoton correlation measurementsphotoluminescence spectroscopyquantum light sourcesoperational stabilityroom-temperature quantum emittersemerging technologiesinformation processingquantum applicationsscientific research

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