I-Corps: Translation Potential of a Room-Temperature Hexagonal Boron Nitride Quantum Sensor

This I-Corps project is based on the development of a quantum sensing and imaging platform to enable more sensitive measurement of physical signals in biological, environmental, industrial, and other advanced technology settings. Many existing sensing tools are limited by cost, size, operating conditions, or their inability to detect weak signals close to the source. These limitations can slow innovation in areas such as biomedical research, materials development, semiconductor inspection, environmental monitoring, and next-generation sensing systems. This technology is a compact quantum sensor designed to operate at room temperature and provide highly localized measurements without requiring cryogenic cooling or large specialized infrastructure. This sensor may be used to create new tools for researchers, instrument companies, biotechnology developers, and advanced manufacturing users who need more precise and practical sensing capabilities. This may improve access to advanced measurement technologies, stronger U.S. competitiveness in quantum technologies, and potential long-term impact in healthcare, national security, energy, and industrial innovation. This I-Corps project utilizes experiential learning coupled with first-hand investigation of the industry ecosystem to assess the translation potential of a room-temperature hexagonal boron nitride quantum sensor. This technology is based on optically addressable spin defects in hexagonal boron nitride, an atomically thin two-dimensional material that can place quantum emitters close to surfaces, cells, devices, or other targets of interest. The sensor platform is strengthened by cavity-enabled optical readout, which is designed to enhance light-matter interaction and improve signal collection from quantum defects. This technology differs from existing quantum sensing technologies that rely on bulk materials, cryogenic operation, or complex laboratory infrastructure. Users may benefit from this compact, integration-friendly sensing platform that provides high-proximity measurements for research, product development, and future deployable sensing applications. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.