Science and Technology Daily, Beijing, May 21 (Reporter Zhang Jiaxin) - Scientists at the Cavendish Laboratory of the University of Cambridge, UK, first found that the "single atom defect" in the layered two-dimensional material hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) can retain quantum information for a few microseconds at room temperature. Relevant papers were published in the journal Nature Materials. This discovery is of great significance, because materials that can possess quantum properties under environmental conditions (room temperature) are very rare. This discovery also highlights the potential of two-dimensional materials in promoting quantum technology.
In hBN, a single "atomic defect" shows spin coherence under environmental conditions, and these spins can be controlled by light. Spin coherence refers to an electronic spin that can retain quantum information over time.
The research results show that if specific quantum state information is transmitted to the electron spin, it will be stored for about one millionth of a second, which makes the system a very promising quantum application platform. Although the millionth of a second is very short, it is rare that this system can store spin quantum states at room temperature without special conditions.
HBN is an ultrathin material, which consists of single atomic layers stacked together. These layers are held together by intermolecular forces. But sometimes, there will be "atomic defects" inside these layers. Like molecules trapped in crystals, these defects can absorb and emit light within the visible light range, have optical transitions, and can act as local traps for electrons. Because of these "atomic defects" in hBN, scientists can now study the behavior of these trapped electrons, such as the spin characteristics of electrons, which allow electrons to interact with magnetic fields. What is really exciting is that researchers can use the light in these defects to control and manipulate the electron spin at room temperature.
This discovery paves the way for future technology applications, especially in sensing technology.
