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 (VB−) 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 E2g Raman mode in a multilayer hBN flake under uniaxial stress, establishing VB− 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 VB− centers, which will be valuable for future studies of strain-engineered 2D materials.
@article{arxiv.2509.18745,
title = {Spin defects in hexagonal boron nitride as two-dimensional strain sensors},
author = {Z. Mu and Z. Zhang and J. Fraunié and C. Robert and G. Seine and B. Gil and G. Cassabois and V. Jacques},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2509.18745},
year = {2026}
}