Grant: Alliance Grants

This project aims to develop advanced sensors by integrating Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers into hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) resonators, a combination that promises significant advancements in quantum sensing. We aim to develop sensors that can measure incredibly small forces and environmental stimuli at room conditions rather than the currently prevailing and esoterically low pressure and temperature conditions. Our approach is focused on the crucial tasks of: 1) Mastering control over specific resonant modes (deformations) of hBN hybrids with silicon nitride (SiN) to optimize sensor performance. Controlling them will greatly enhance the sensor's ability to detect minute changes in environment. 2) Developing a reliable and consistent fabrication process to enable their reduction to engineering practice. We will test and refine techniques such as nitrogen ion implantation and annealing to stabilize NV defects within hBN crystals and use advanced lithographic methods to improve predictability and control of resonator shape and dimensions. 3) Minimizing the mass loading incurred in hybridizing hBN with high-stress SiN membranes, while enhancing the quality factor of the hybrid modes (a measure of how effectively the modes store energy). This research is especially relevant given a growing demand for sensitive and accurate sensors, in medical diagnostics, for early disease detection, environmental monitoring, to improve our ability to detect pollutants and greenhouse gases, and materials science research to characterize materials, their interaction forces at nanoscale. The success of this project is supported by strong collaboration between leading researchers in the UK and Canada, bringing together a wealth of expertise in structural dynamics at the nanoscale, quantum technology and advanced material science. Moreover, our use of cutting-edge fabrication techniques will ensure highly effective, reproducible, and scalable quantum sensors. By combining theoretical insights with practical innovation, this project is set to make a meaningful impact on the scientific community, the broader field of quantum sensing, and pave the way for wide adoption of quantum sensors.