Spin defects in hexagonal boron nitride as two-dimensional strain sensors

Abstract

Lattice deformation is a powerful way to engineer the properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials, making their precise measurement an important challenge for both fundamental science and technological applications. Here, we demonstrate that boron-vacancy (V${}_{\text{B}}^{-}$) color centers in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) enable quantitative strain sensing with sub-micrometer spatial resolution. Using this approach, we precisely quantify the strain-induced shift of the E${}_{2g}$ Raman mode in a multilayer hBN flake under uniaxial stress, establishing V${}_{\text{B}}^{-}$ centers as a new tool for strain metrology in van der Waals heterostructures. Beyond strain sensing, our work also highlights the unique multimodal sensing functionalities offered by V${}_{\text{B}}^{-}$ centers, which will be valuable for future studies of strain-engineered 2D materials.

6 pages, 4 figures