In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have found that a single atomic defect in a layered 2D material has the ability to retain quantum information for microseconds at room temperature. This revelation highlights the immense potential of 2D materials in advancing quantum technologies. Researchers from the Universities of Manchester and Cambridge made this significant breakthrough using a thin material known as hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). The defect in this material demonstrates spin coherence, a property where an electronic spin can hold onto quantum information even under normal ambient conditions.
The study also revealed that these spins can be manipulated and controlled with the use of light, opening up new possibilities in the field of quantum technologies. This ability to control and harness quantum information using a simple light source represents a significant step forward, as only a few solid-state materials have been able to demonstrate this capability before. The findings, which were published in Nature Materials, have exceeded initial expectations regarding the accessibility of spin coherence at room temperature.
Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is an ultra-thin material composed of stacked one-atom-thick layers, similar to sheets of paper. These layers are held together by intermolecular forces, with occasional atomic defects present between the layers. These defects can absorb and emit light, making them visible, and also act as local traps for electrons. By studying these trapped electrons, particularly in relation to their spin properties, scientists can gain valuable insights into their behavior.
Dr. Hannah Stern, the first author of the paper, emphasized the potential of hBN for future quantum technologies. The ability to manipulate electron spins using light within the defects of hBN, even at room temperature, represents a significant leap forward in the field. This research has highlighted the importance of investigating new materials and their fundamental properties, as each new system explored expands the toolkit available for developing quantum technologies.
Although there is still much to be done before this technology can be applied in practical settings, this discovery lays the foundation for future advancements, particularly in sensing technology. Researchers are currently focused on improving the defects within hBN and extending the spin storage time. They are also exploring ways to optimize the system and material parameters that are crucial for quantum-technological applications, such as defect stability and the quality of light emitted by these defects.
The research conducted by the Universities of Manchester and Cambridge has unlocked new possibilities for utilizing 2D materials in advancing quantum technologies. The ability to retain and manipulate quantum information at room temperature using a simple material such as hBN demonstrates the vast potential of these materials in shaping the future of quantum technologies. As further advancements are made in this field, we can expect to see a wide range of applications emerge, paving the way for a new era of technological innovation.