Seminar Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM PT
Location: 67-3111 & Zoom
Talk Title: Spin Defects in Hexagonal Boron Nitride for Quantum Information Science
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Abstract:
Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), a two-dimensional wide-bandgap van der Waals insulator, has emerged as a promising solid-state platform for quantum information science due to its ability to host optically addressable spin defects stable at room temperature. These defect centers introduce localized electronic states within the bandgap with spin-dependent optical transitions, enabling applications in quantum-enhanced sensing and quantum communication. However, scalable deployment is hindered by the lack of deterministic defect engineering in wafer-scale hBN, limited quantum emission efficiency, and short spin coherence times driven by environmental decoherence and material inhomogeneity.
In this talk, I will present our group’s efforts to overcome these challenges through a combined approach of deterministic defect engineering, cavity quantum electrodynamics, and coherent spin control. We demonstrate generation of spin defects in wafer-scale hBN with high spectral purity, strongly polarized emission, and robust photostability. Integration with nanophotonic cavities enables exploration of the cavity–defect coupling regime, including Purcell-enhanced emission and modified radiative dynamics toward cooperative light–matter interaction. In addition, I will discuss emerging approaches for coherent spin manipulation and spin–photon interfacing, targeting improved initialization, readout fidelity, and coherence.
References:
S. Tauro, J. Brumley, A. Cobarrubia, C. A. Bhuyan, D. V. Lundquist, E. Janzen, B. Kieffer, J. H. Edgar, and S. K. Behura, “Photophysics of Cavity-Coupled Quantum Emitters in Hexagonal Boron Nitride,” Physical Review B, Vol. 113, p. 035424 (2026).
A. Cobarrubia, S. Tauro, J. R. Hendrickson, and S. K. Behura, “Characterization of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Quantum Emitter as an SLH Tensor Network,” The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, Vol. 129, p. 14430-14439 (2025).
A. Cobarrubia, N. Schottle, D. Suliman, S. Gomez, C. Patino, B. Keifer, and S. K. Behura, “Hexagonal Boron Nitride Quantum Simulator: Prelude to Spin and Photonic Qubits,” ACS Nano, Vol. 18, p. 22609-22619 (2024).
Bio:
Sanjay Behura is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at San Diego State University, where he leads research in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics with a focus on Photophysics of Quantum Materials. His work centers on understanding and engineering light–matter interactions in 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures, to enable transformative applications in quantum information science.
Dr. Behura directs the Photophysics of Quantum Materials Lab, established in 2020, which employs a multidisciplinary approach to advancing quantum materials. The lab combines material design and growth with quantum photonic and optoelectronic characterization to develop quantum technologies. Their research is supported by the National Science Foundation, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, and the Air Force Research Lab.
Dr. Behura has made significant contributions to the direct synthesis of 2D materials, surface-junction photovoltaics, and solid-state quantum photonics. His work has resulted in 54 peer-reviewed journal publications and five patents. He has mentored one postdoc, 12 graduate (PhD and MS) and 24 undergraduate students, demonstrating a strong commitment to training the next generation of leaders in quantum science.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to research and education, Dr. Behura was honored with the 2025 Thomas B. Day Outstanding Faculty Award for Excellence in Physics at SDSU and was named a 2025 Scialog Fellow in Quantum Matter and Information by the Research Corporation for Science Advancement.
