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Point Defects in hexagonal BN for Quantum Information Science

Hexagonal boron nitride is a suitable host for single-photon emitters and single-spin centers.  Strong single-photon emission has been observed, but the source was not identified.  Based on advanced first-principles simulations, the origins have now been pinpointed: the 2 eV emission has been attributed to boron dangling bonds, and 4 eV emission to carbon-carbon dimers.

The 2 eV emitters also exhibit spin-dependent transitions, offering the potential for applications in quantum computation and quantum sensing.
Exciting opportunities for control of the emitters can be pursued now that the source has been identified.