Publication Type
Journal
Journal Name
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Publication Date
Page Numbers
41361 to 41368
Volume
14
Issue
36
Abstract
Spin defects like the negatively charged boron vacancy color center (VB–) in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) may enable new forms of quantum sensing with near-surface defects in layered van der Waals heterostructures. Here, the effect of strain on VB– color centers in hBN is revealed with correlative cathodoluminescence and photoluminescence microscopies. Strong localized enhancement and redshifting of the VB– luminescence is observed at creases, consistent with density functional theory calculations showing VB– migration toward regions with moderate uniaxial compressive strain. The ability to manipulate spin defects with highly localized strain is critical to the development of practical 2D quantum devices and quantum sensors.
