Acoustically modulated optical emission of hexagonal boron nitride layers

We investigate the effect of surface acoustic waves on the atomic-like optical emission from defect centers in hexagonal boron nitride layers deposited on the surface of a LiNbO3 substrate. The dynamic strain field of the surface acoustic waves modulates the emission lines resulting in intensity variations as large as 50% and oscillations of the emission energy with an amplitude of almost 1 meV. From a systematic study of the dependence of the modulation on the acoustic wave power, we determine a hydrostatic deformation potential of about 40 meV/% for defect centers in this two-dimensional material. Furthermore, we show that the dynamic piezoelectric field of the acoustic wave could contribute to the stabilization of the optical properties of these emission centers. Our results show that surface acoustic waves are a powerful tool to modulate and control the electronic states of two-dimensional materials. Published under license by AIP Publishing.