261 research outputs found
Optical Signatures of Quantum Emitters in Suspended Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is a tantalizing material for solid-state
quantum engineering. Analogously to three-dimensional wide-bandgap
semiconductors like diamond, h-BN hosts isolated defects exhibiting visible
fluorescence, and the ability to position such quantum emitters within a
two-dimensional material promises breakthrough advances in quantum sensing,
photonics, and other quantum technologies. Critical to such applications,
however, is an understanding of the physics underlying h-BN's quantum emission.
We report the creation and characterization of visible single-photon sources in
suspended, single-crystal, h-BN films. The emitters are bright and stable over
timescales of several months in ambient conditions. With substrate interactions
eliminated, we study the spectral, temporal, and spatial characteristics of the
defects' optical emission, which offer several clues about their electronic and
chemical structure. Analysis of the defects' spectra reveals similarities in
vibronic coupling despite widely-varying fluorescence wavelengths, and a
statistical analysis of their polarized emission patterns indicates a
correlation between the optical dipole orientations of some defects and the
primitive crystallographic axes of the single-crystal h-BN film. These
measurements constrain possible defect models, and, moreover, suggest that
several classes of emitters can exist simultaneously in free-standing h-BN,
whether they be different defects, different charge states of the same defect,
or the result of strong local perturbations
Spin-Dependent Quantum Emission in Hexagonal Boron Nitride at Room Temperature
Optically addressable spins associated with defects in wide-bandgap
semiconductors are versatile platforms for quantum information processing and
nanoscale sensing, where spin-dependent inter-system crossing (ISC) transitions
facilitate optical spin initialization and readout. Recently, the van der Waals
material hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) has emerged as a robust host for
quantum emitters (QEs), but spin-related effects have yet to be observed. Here,
we report room-temperature observations of strongly anisotropic
photoluminescence (PL) patterns as a function of applied magnetic field for
select QEs in h-BN. Field-dependent variations in the steady-state PL and
photon emission statistics are consistent with an electronic model featuring a
spin-dependent ISC between triplet and singlet manifolds, indicating that
optically-addressable spin defects are present in h-BN a versatile
two-dimensional material promising efficient photon extraction, atom-scale
engineering, and the realization of spin-based quantum technologies using van
der Waals heterostructures.Comment: 38 pages, 34 figure
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux in Noncystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis
The clinical presentation of noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis may be complicated by concomitant conditions, including gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR). Increased acidic GOR is principally caused by gastro-oesophageal junction incompetence and may arise from lower oesophageal sphincter hypotension, including transient relaxations, hiatus hernia, and oesophageal dysmotility. Specific pathophysiological features which are characteristic of respiratory diseases including coughing may further increase the risk of GOR in bronchiectasis. Reflux may impact on lung disease severity by two mechanisms, reflex bronchoconstriction and pulmonary microaspiration. Symptomatic and clinically silent reflux has been detected in bronchiectasis, with the prevalence of 26 to 75%. The cause and effect relationship has not been established, but preliminary reports suggest that GOR may influence the severity of bronchiectasis. Further studies examining the implications of GOR in this condition, including its effect across the disease spectrum using a combination of diagnostic tools, will clarify the clinical significance of this comorbidity
European Respiratory Society statement on airway clearance techniques in adults with bronchiectasis
Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) are part of the main management strategy for patients with bronchiectasis. Despite being a priority for patients, accessibility, implementation and reporting of ACTs are variable in clinical settings and research studies. This European Respiratory Society statement summarises current knowledge about ACTs in adults with bronchiectasis and makes recommendations to improve the future evidence base. A task force of 14 experts and two patient representatives (10 countries) determined the scope of this statement through consensus and defined six questions. The questions were answered based on systematic searches of the literature. The statement provides a comprehensive review of the physiological rationale for ACTs in adults with bronchiectasis, and the mechanisms of action along with the advantages and disadvantages of each ACT. Evidence on ACTs in clinical practice indicates that the most frequently used techniques are active cycle of breathing techniques, positive expiratory pressure devices and gravity-assisted drainage, although there is limited evidence on the type of ACTs used in specific countries. A review of 30 randomised trials for the effectiveness of ACTs shows that these interventions increase sputum clearance during or after treatment, reduce the impact of cough and the risk of exacerbations, and improve health-related quality of life. Furthermore, strategies for reducing the risk of bias in future studies are proposed. Finally, an exploration of patients' perceptions, barriers and enablers related to this treatment is also included to facilitate implementation and adherence to ACTs.</p
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