The Behura Research Group develops quantum materials and photonic platforms to understand and control light–matter interactions at the nanoscale. Our research integrates quantum materials design and growth, device fabrication, and advanced optical, optoelectronic, and spin-resonance characterization to create new materials platforms for quantum information science, quantum-enhanced sensing, and next-generation optoelectronic technologies. Our work is organized around two closely connected research thrusts: (1) Quantum Materials Design and Growth and (2) Quantum Photonics and Optoelectronics
Quantum Materials Design and Growth
Our group designs and synthesizes atomically thin quantum two-dimensional (2D) materials with controlled structure, interfaces, and optical functionality. We focus on hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), and van der Waals heterostructures, with the goal of creating scalable materials platforms for quantum technologies. A major emphasis is the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of wafer-scale hBN, single crystal TMD layers, and moiré TMD superlattices, including direct growth on CMOS-compatible and photonic substrates. These materials host unique optical and quantum properties, including single-photon emission, spin-active defects, interlayer excitons, and moiré-engineered electronic states. We are particularly interested in understanding how growth conditions, substrate interactions, defects, strain, stacking, and interface engineering control the emergence of quantum optical behavior.
Key Research Directions:
Key Research Directions:
- Wafer-scale CVD growth of hexagonal boron nitride on SiO2/Si, Sapphire, SiN, SiC substrates with controlled spin defects
- Defect engineering in hexagonal boron nitride for quantum light emission and spin physics
- Direct CVD growth of atomically-thin single crystal 2D semiconductors and van der Waals heterostructures
- Fabrication of various van der Waals heterostructures via 2D layer exfoliation and stacking approach including moiré superlattices based on MoS₂/WS₂ and MoSe₂/WSe₂ heterostructures
- Photonic metal cavity integration with hBN quantum emitters and moiré excitons in van der Waals heterostructures
- Materials platforms for scalable quantum integrated photonics and quantum-enhanced sensing
Quantum Photonics and Optoelectronics
Our group investigates how light interacts with quantum materials, with a focus on controlling emission, exciton dynamics, spin–photon interfaces, and cavity-enhanced optical processes. We use advanced photonic and optoelectronic characterization techniques to probe quantum behavior in hBN, TMDs, moiré superlattices, and hybrid nanophotonic structures.
A central theme of this research is the development of solid-state quantum light sources based on defects in hexagonal boron nitride. These emitters can operate at room temperature and provide a promising route toward integrated quantum photonic devices. We study how their brightness, lifetime, emission directionality, and quantum purity can be controlled through plasmonic and optical cavity coupling. We also investigate moiré excitons and exciton-polariton systems in 2D semiconductor heterostructures. These systems provide tunable platforms for exploring correlated light–matter interactions, exciton transport, valley physics, optoelectronic response, and quantum sensing concepts.
Our experimental capabilities include photoluminescence spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, time-resolved lifetime measurements, photon antibunching, optically detected magnetic resonance, and electrical/optical control of quantum materials. Together, these tools allow us to connect materials design with quantum optical performance.
Key Research Directions:
A central theme of this research is the development of solid-state quantum light sources based on defects in hexagonal boron nitride. These emitters can operate at room temperature and provide a promising route toward integrated quantum photonic devices. We study how their brightness, lifetime, emission directionality, and quantum purity can be controlled through plasmonic and optical cavity coupling. We also investigate moiré excitons and exciton-polariton systems in 2D semiconductor heterostructures. These systems provide tunable platforms for exploring correlated light–matter interactions, exciton transport, valley physics, optoelectronic response, and quantum sensing concepts.
Our experimental capabilities include photoluminescence spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, time-resolved lifetime measurements, photon antibunching, optically detected magnetic resonance, and electrical/optical control of quantum materials. Together, these tools allow us to connect materials design with quantum optical performance.
Key Research Directions:
- Single-photon emission from quantum defects in hexagonal boron nitride
- Cavity-coupled quantum emitters and enhanced light–matter interactions
- Optically detected magnetic resonance of spin defects in hexagonal boron nitride
- Photophysics of direct and indirect interlayer excitons in TMD moiré superlattices
- Electrical control of quantum emitters in hexagonal boron nitride and interlayer excitons in TMD moiré superlattices
- Quantum photonic and optoelectronic devices for sensing and information technologies
Research Vision: By combining materials growth, quantum photonics, and optoelectronic characterization, the Behura Research Group aims to build a bridge between fundamental condensed matter physics and practical quantum technologies. Our long-term vision is to develop scalable 2D quantum materials and integrated photonic platforms for quantum sensing, quantum communication, quantum information science, and next-generation semiconductor technologies.