Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Date of Degree
2-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Program
Physics
Advisor
Gabriele Grosso
Committee Members
Matthew Sfeir
Vinod Menon
Mim Lal Nakarmi
Euclides Almeida
Subject Categories
Physics
Keywords
hexagonal boron nitride, quantum emitters, single photon emitters, quantum, donor acceptor pair, elementary excitations
Abstract
Quantum emitters in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) have emerged as promising candidates for advancing numerous quantum technologies. Visible-spectrum quantum emitters, in particular, have gained significant attention due to their exceptional properties, including high brightness, observable spin structure, and highly tunable emission wavelengths. However, several challenges hold back the practical implementation of hBN-based quantum emitters in technological applications—namely, the unknown physical structure of the emitters, susceptibility to spectral wandering and blinking, and limited understanding of how to control their broad spectral distribution.
In this dissertation, we investigate the collective properties of highly defective hBN. To address the key challenges, we develop a methodology to detect nonlocal recombination from spectral data, identify elementary excitations in defective hBN through a combination of optical and resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) measurements, and create a phenomenological model for the spectral distribution of quantum emitters in highly defective hBN. This model is then used to explain the discrete spectral jumps observed in the platform through nonlocal dynamic recombination. We then expand our model and experimentation to other III-nitride materials hosting quantum emission - gallium nitride and aluminum nitride - where a combination RIXS and optical measurements suggest that quantum emission in these materials is guided by similar elementary excitations to those observed in hBN.
Recommended Citation
Mejia, Enrique Alejandro IV, "Underlying Mechanisms of Quantum Emission in Hexagonal Boron Nitride" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/6145
