Guest Seminar - Quantum Technologies with Hexagonal Boron Nitride
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Engineering robust, solid-state quantum systems is amongst the most pressing challenges to realise scalable quantum photonic circuitry. In recent years, quantum emitters in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) have emerged as fascinating candidates for realisation of room temperature quantum technologies with hBN.
In this presentation I will discuss the photophysical properties of quantum emitters in hBN and expand on their utility in scalable quantum technologies. I will focus on avenues to engineer these defects and describe their most promising properties – including their spin – photon interfaces. Integration of the emitters with photonic resonators is in the heart of achieving quantum circuitry on chip, and I will present our most recent attempts to achieve this goal. Taking advantage of the unique 2D nature of hBN, I will also show potential assembly of quantum optoelectronic devices and discuss potential on chip tunability of quantum emitters in hBN.
All in all, hBN possesses all the vital constituents to become the leading platform for integrated quantum photonics. To this extent, I will highlight the challenges and opportunities in engineering hBN quantum photonic devices and will frame it more broadly in the growing interest with 2D materials nanophotonics.
Igor Aharonovich is a Professor at the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at UTS. He specializes in quantum sources for generating and distributing quantum information, focusing on optically active defects in solids to develop ultra-bright solid-state quantum emitters. As a chief investigator at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Materials, he leads international research on crystal defects in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). Igor founded the nanophotonics research group at UTS in 2013, becoming Associate Professor in 2015 and full Professor in 2018. His team is known for discovering the first room-temperature quantum emitters in 2D materials in 2016. He has co-authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and co-founded the successful Photonics Online Meetup conference in 2019. His accolades include the Pawsey Medal (2017), IEEE Photonics Young Investigator Award (2016), and fellowships from the Optical Society (2021) and SPIE (2024). Igor holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Materials Engineering from the Technion and a PhD from the University of Melbourne.