Atomically-thin quantum sensing foil – Qfoil

Qfoil aims at the design of a quantum sensing unit based on optically-active spin defects embedded in an atomically-thin two-dimensional (2D) material. To this end, we will exploit the magneto-optical properties of the recently discovered boron-vacancy (VB) center in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), whose electron spin resonance frequencies can be interrogated by optical means and strongly depends on external perturbations such as magnetic, electric fields and temperature. Compared to other quantum sensing platforms relying on spin defects embedded in 3D materials, such as diamond or SiC, the key advantages of the 2D quantum sensing unit developed in Qfoil are its high versatility/flexibility for device integration and its ability to be placed in atomic-scale proximity of a target sample.
The main objectives of Qfoil are (i) to control the creation of VB centers through ion implantation techniques in the limit of atomically-thin hBN layers and to optimize their magnetic field sensitivity, (ii) to demonstrate magnetic imaging with a quantum sensing foil integrated in a van der Waals heterostructure with a targeted sensitivity of 10 uT/Hz1/2 and a submicron spatial resolution; (iii) to extend the functionalities of the foil-based sensing unit towards electric field imaging and measurements under high pressure.
By developing a radically new foil-based quantum sensing platform with multiple functionalities, Qfoil will make a bridge between two vibrant fields of research, 2D materials science and solid-state quantum sensing technologies.