# Microsphere-assisted generation of localized optical emitters in 2D hexagonal boron nitride

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method using microspheres to create precise optical emitters in hexagonal boron nitride, improving their performance for quantum and nanoscale applications.

## Contribution

A novel technique using microspheres to enhance defect generation and optical signal collection in hBN is introduced.

## Key findings

- The emission area is reduced by a factor of 5 using microsphere-assisted defect generation.
- Fluorescence collection efficiency is increased approximately 10 times compared to traditional methods.

## Abstract

Crystal defects in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) are emerging as versatile nanoscale optical probes with a wide application profile, spanning the fields of nanophotonics, biosensing, bioimaging, and quantum information processing. However, generating these crystal defects as reliable optical emitters remains challenging due to the need for deterministic defect placement and precise control of the emission area. Here, we demonstrate an approach that integrates microspheres with hBN crystal lattices to enhance both hBN defect generation and optical signal readout. This technique harnesses microspheres to amplify light–matter interactions at the nanoscale through two mechanisms: focused femtosecond (fs) laser irradiation into a photonic nanojet (PNJ) for highly localized defect generation and enhanced light collection via the whispering gallery mode (WGM) effect. Our microsphere-assisted defect generation method reduces the emission area by a factor of 5 and increases the fluorescence collection efficiency by approximately 10 times compared to microsphere-free samples. These advancements in defect generation precision and signal collection efficiency open new possibilities for optical emitter manipulation in hBN, with potential applications in quantum technologies and nanoscale sensing.