Large-Scale Statistical Analysis of Defect Emission in hBN: Revealing Spectral Families and Influence of Flakes Morphology

TL;DR

This study analyzes over 10,000 defect emissions in hBN, revealing spectral families and how flake morphology influences defect formation, offering scalable control methods for quantum emitter development.

Contribution

It provides the first large-scale statistical analysis of defect emissions in hBN and demonstrates how morphology tuning can control defect types and properties.

Findings

Identified 11 distinct defect families in hBN.

Demonstrated morphology's crucial role in defect formation.

Achieved selective defect control through flake size and arrangement.

Abstract

Quantum emitters in two-dimensional layered hexagonal boron nitride are quickly emerging as a highly promising platform for next-generation quantum technologies. However, precise identification and control of defects are key parameters to achieve the next step in their development. We conducted a comprehensive study by analyzing over 10,000 photoluminescence emission lines, revealing 11 distinct defect families within the 1.6 to 2.2 eV energy range. This challenges hypotheses of a random energy distribution. We also reported averaged defect parameters, including emission linewidths, spatial density, phonon side bands, and the Debye-Waller factors. These findings provide valuable insights to decipher the microscopic origin of emitters in hBN hosts. We also explored the influence of hBN host morphology on defect family formation, demonstrating its crucial impact. By tuning flake size and arrangement we achieve selective control of defect types while maintaining high spatial density. This offers a scalable approach to defect emission control, diverging from costly engineering methods. It highlights the importance of investigating flake morphological control to gain deeper insights into the origins of defects and to expand the spectral tailoring capabilities of defects in hBN.