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

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

SUBMITTER: Yang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12273537 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature