Scientists at the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, UK, have discovered for the first time that "single atomic defects" in the layered two-dimensional material hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) can preserve quantum information for several microseconds at room temperature. The related paper was published in the journal Nature Materials. This discovery is significant because materials that can exhibit quantum properties at ambient conditions (room temperature) are rare, highlighting the potential of two-dimensional materials in advancing quantum technologies.
Using a confocal microscope, researchers studied single spins in hexagonal boron nitride. An artistic representation shows the objective lens focusing laser light onto the sample for spin microwave control. Image credit: Eleanor Nichols/Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge.
In hBN, individual "atomic defects" exhibit spin coherence under certain conditions, with these spins controllable using light. Spin coherence refers to an electron's spin that can retain quantum information over time.
The study reveals that if specific quantum state information is transferred to electron spins, this information can be stored for about one millionth of a second, making this system a promising platform for quantum applications. Despite the short duration, the system stands out as it can store spin quantum states at room temperature without requiring special conditions.
hBN is an ultrathin material composed of stacked single atomic layers held together by intermolecular forces. Occasionally, "atomic defects" exist within these layers. Similar to molecules trapped in a crystal, these defects can absorb and emit light in the visible range, undergo optical transitions, and act as local traps for electrons. With these "atomic defects" in hBN, scientists can now study the behavior of trapped electrons, such as their spin properties that allow interaction with magnetic fields. Excitingly, researchers can utilize light from these defects at room temperature to control and manipulate electron spins.
This discovery paves the way for future technological applications, particularly in sensor technology.
