Long-lasting quantum emitters using hexagonal boron nitride.

Scientists at MIT, University of Texas, RIKEN center for Advanced Photonics, and the University of Oxford have discovered a way to improve the photostability of emitters in hexagonal boron nitride materials, which are crucial building materials for optical quantum technologies. The team found that photobleaching of hexagonal boron nitride vacancy emitters can facilitate photostability suited for quantum applications. They also identified a key to improve the photostability of emitters in hexagonal boron nitride materials that effectively shielded oxygen from the environment to optimize carbon substitution in the hexagonal boron nitride.