Scientists have discovered a new way to control quantum light sources by twisting atomically thin layers of a material known as hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), a breakthrough that could help bring quantum technologies closer to practical use.
Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney found that rotating and restacking layers of hBN can significantly alter the color and wavelength of light emitted by quantum emitters embedded within the material.
Quantum emitters are tiny light sources that can produce single photons, making them important building blocks for future quantum computers, secure communication networks, and highly sensitive sensors. While scientists have been able to detect and study these emitters, controlling them has remained a major challenge.
The team says its approach offers a new way to tune these light sources by exploiting the unique layered structure of hBN, a material that can be repeatedly separated, twisted, and reassembled.
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