Speaker
Description
Single-photon emitters (SPEs) in hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) offer a promising platform for quantum photonics, due to their robust room-temperature operation and compatibility with two-dimensional device architectures. Among them, blue-centers (B-centers) emitting near 436 nm have drawn special attention for their reproducibility and spectral purity [1]. Previous studies show how B-center activation can be achieved by electron-beam irradiation of carbon-related defects [2]; however, deterministic and reproducible SPE generation remains a critical challenge for device integration. In this study, we investigate the deterministic creation of B-centers in carbon-doped h-BN. This material is first characterized using conventional techniques to evaluate its doping (electron microscopy, luminescence). We then follow a statistical approach where we explore the effects of flake thickness, electron dose and dwell time. This process optimization method enables maximizing single-photon emitter creation probability while ensuring spatial control. The resulting emission properties are analyzed via extensive optical characterizations including time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy and second-order photon correlation measurement. Then, we delve into the electrical behavior of defect-assisted tunneling in Gr/C:hBN/Gr junctions, both with and without preliminary electron-beam irradiation. Electrical characterization is performed directly on the photoluminescence (PL) optical setup, enabling simultaneous probing of the light emission from these devices. By analogy to previous work on different emitters [3], we expect to demonstrate controlled electroluminescence from the blue emitters, suitable for integration into more complex optoelectronic architectures for future quantum technologies.
[1] C. Fournier et al., Nat. Commun. 12, 1–6 (2021)
[2] S. Nedić et al., Adv. Opt. Mater. 12, 2400908 (2024)
[3] M. Grzeszczyk et al., Light Sci. Appl. 13, 155 (2024)
| Keyword-1 | Single-photon emitters |
|---|---|
| Keyword-2 | Hexagonal boron nitride |
| Keyword-3 | Quantum photonics |