Rubyene: a promising platform for quantum technologies and optical nanosensing

• DOI: 10.1088/2515-7647/adb81f
• Publication Date: 2025-02-19T22:55:28Z
• Authors: Anton Mukhamedshin; Wan Aizuddin W Ra...; Xiaohong Yang; Polina A Demina; Kirill V Khaydukov; Vladimir A Semchi...; Evgeny V Khaydukov; Judith M Dawes; Richard C Willson; Andrei V Zvyagin; Taras Plakhotnik
• Keywords: optical sensing; radiative rates; nonradiative rates; photoluminescence; Applied optics. Photonics; QC350-467; ultra-thin ruby; Optics. Light; Förster energy transfer; TA1501-1820

Abstract In this paper, we have investigated the optical properties of a newly synthesized material consisting few-nm-thin flakes ruby Al 2 O 3 :Cr 3+ , referred to as rubyene . Both theoretical and experimental approaches focus on photoluminescence Cr particularly exploring effects refractive index surrounding medium radiative nonradiative lifetimes chromium ions, consequences diverse shapes thin flakes. Notably, demonstrate how such susceptibility allows for insight into orientation crystallographic axes relative surface Although effect environment relaxation rates in photo-excited ions is an order magnitude smaller than its rates, achieved sensitivity our measurements was sufficient observe both. The presented analysis transitions has broader implications Förster-type energy transfer, especially scenarios where non-uniform. Our results good agreement between theory experiment establish potential nanosensing applications, highlighting environmental changes.