In a significant stride towards advancing quantum sensing technologies, researchers have successfully demonstrated optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) in wafer-scale thin films of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). This breakthrough, led by Sam C. Scholten from the School of Science at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, opens new avenues for nanoscale magnetic sensing and imaging, with profound implications for the energy sector and beyond.
Hexagonal boron nitride, a layered material similar to graphene, has garnered considerable attention for its unique properties. The recent study, published in the journal “Materials for Quantum Technology” (translated to English as “Materials for Quantum Technology”), explores the ODMR properties of hBN thin films grown using three different methods: metal–organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD), chemical vapour deposition (CVD), and molecular beam epitaxy. The findings reveal that all films, including the thinnest 3 nm sample, exhibit an ODMR response, albeit with varying characteristics.
The research highlights the optimal growth temperature range for magnetic sensitivity, identifying 800 °C to 900 °C as the sweet spot for MOCVD samples. Post-growth annealing was found to significantly enhance magnetic sensitivity, sometimes by up to two orders of magnitude. “This work provides a useful baseline for the magnetic sensitivity of hBN thin films deposited via standard methods,” Scholten explains, emphasizing the practical applications of these findings.
The best volume-normalized magnetic sensitivity achieved in the study was 30 µT Hz$^{-1/2}$μm$^{3/2}$, a metric crucial for evaluating the performance of magnetic sensors. These sensors have the potential to revolutionize various industries, including energy, by enabling precise and non-invasive magnetic field measurements at the nanoscale.
One of the most compelling aspects of this research is its potential to inform the feasibility of future sensing applications. As quantum technologies continue to evolve, the ability to detect and manipulate magnetic fields at the nanoscale will be instrumental in developing advanced energy solutions. From improving the efficiency of power grids to enhancing the performance of renewable energy systems, the implications are vast.
Scholten’s work not only advances our understanding of hBN thin films but also paves the way for innovative applications in quantum sensing. As the energy sector seeks to harness the power of quantum technologies, this research provides a crucial foundation for future developments. “The energy sector stands to benefit greatly from these advancements,” Scholten notes, underscoring the transformative potential of this research.
In summary, the study by Scholten and his team represents a significant step forward in the field of quantum sensing. By demonstrating the ODMR properties of hBN thin films, the research opens new possibilities for nanoscale magnetic sensing and imaging, with far-reaching implications for the energy sector and other industries. As we continue to explore the potential of quantum technologies, this work serves as a vital guide for future innovations.