Quantum emitters in 2D materials: Emitter engineering, photophysics, and integration in photonic nanostructures

Quantum emitters have become a vital tool for both fundamental science and emerging technologies. In recent years, the focus in the field has shifted to exploration and identification of new quantum systems enabled by the emerging library of atomically thin, two dimensional materials. In this review, we highlight the current state of the art in engineering of quantum emitters in 2D systems, with an emphasis on transition metal di-chalcogenides (TMDCs) and hexagonal boron nitride. We start by reviewing progress in TMDCs, with focus on emitter engineering, ability to tune their spectral properties, and observation of interlayer excitons. We then discuss emitters in hBN and focus on emitters' origin, engineering, and emerging phenomena-spanning super-resolution imaging and optical spin readout. We summarize by discussing practical advances of integration of emitters in 2D hosts with plasmonic and dielectric photonic cavities, underpinned by quantum light-matter interactions. We conclude by outlining pathways for practical on-chip quantum photonics applications and highlight challenges and opportunities within this field of research.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the recent advancements in engineering quantum emitters in two-dimensional systems, with a particular emphasis on transition metal di-chalcogenides and hexagonal boron nitride. The discovery of interlayer excitons and emerging phenomena, such as super-resolution imaging and optical spin readout, are highlighted. Practical applications of integrating emitters with plasmonic and dielectric photonic cavities are also discussed.