RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Mechanical decoupling of quantum emitters in hexagonal boron nitride from low-energy phonon modes
JF Science Advances
JO Sci Adv
FD American Association for the Advancement of Science
SP eaba6038
DO 10.1126/sciadv.aba6038
VO 6
IS 40
A1 Hoese, Michael
A1 Reddy, Prithvi
A1 Dietrich, Andreas
A1 Koch, Michael K.
A1 Fehler, Konstantin G.
A1 Doherty, Marcus W.
A1 Kubanek, Alexander
YR 2020
UL http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/6/40/eaba6038.abstract
AB Quantum emitters in hexagonal boron nitride were recently reported to hold unusual narrow homogeneous linewidths of tens of megahertz within the Fourier transform limit at room temperature. This unique observation was traced back to decoupling from in-plane phonon modes. Here, we investigate the origins for the mechanical decoupling. New sample preparation improved spectral diffusion, which allowed us to reveal a gap in the electron-phonon spectral density for low phonon frequencies. This sign for mechanical decoupling persists up to room temperature and explains the observed narrow lines at 300 kelvin. We investigate the dipole emission directionality and reveal preferred photon emission through channels between the layers supporting the claim for out-of-plane distorted defect centers. Our work provides insights into the underlying physics for the persistence of Fourier transform limit lines up to room temperature and gives a guide to the community on how to identify the exotic emitters.