Proximity-Induced Exchange Interaction: A New Pathway for Quantum Sensing Using Spin Centers in Hexagonal Boron...

Area of Science:

• Quantum sensing
• Materials science
• Condensed matter physics

Background:

• Defects in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), a 2D material, are promising for quantum applications.
• The 2D nature of hBN allows for proximity engineering of spin centers, offering advantages over 3D systems like diamond nitrogen-vacancy centers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel quantum sensing protocol utilizing the exchange interaction between hBN spin centers and magnetic substrates.
• To investigate the magnetic proximity effect for enhanced quantum sensing capabilities.

Main Methods:

• First-principles calculations were employed to model the interactions.
• Analysis of exchange interaction versus dipole-dipole interaction in proximity.
• Exploration of antiferromagnetic coupling across various stacking configurations.
• Investigation of exchange field scaling with spatial separation.

Main Results:

• The induced exchange interaction significantly dominates over dipole-dipole interaction in proximity.
• Antiferromagnetic coupling is consistently observed between hBN spin centers and van der Waals magnets.
• The scaling behavior of the exchange field was characterized as a function of distance.

Conclusions:

• The proposed quantum sensing protocol shows potential for advanced quantum applications.
• Exchange interaction is a dominant force in hBN-magnetic substrate systems.
• Understanding the spatial scaling of the exchange field is crucial for device optimization.