Electron-beam-activated SCAlable single Photon Emitters in hexagonal boron nitride – E-SCAPE

The E-SCAPE project aims to implement position-controlled scalable single-photon emitters (SPEs) in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). We will use an original top-down approach based on a new family of colour centres in hBN that can be locally activated using an electron beam. The SPEs present advantageous photophysical properties with, in particular, narrow and reproducible emission lines. Our roadmap includes 1. implementation of an irradiation process with in-situ monitoring yielding deterministic activation of a single emitter per irradiated site; 2. characterisation and optical control of the SPEs based on resonant laser drive, culminating in the demonstration of indistinguishable photon emission; and 3. realisation of integrated devices with electrical and optical functionalities. In a nutshell, the E-SCAPE project will provide a new avenue towards scalable integrated single-photon sources for quantum information applications.