Solid-state single-photon emitters (SPE) are a basis for emerging technologies such as quantum communication and quantum sensing. SPE based on fluorescent point defects are ubiquitous in semiconductors and insulators, and new systems with desirable properties for quantum information science may exist among the vast number of unexplored defects. However, the characterization of new SPE typically relies on time-consuming techniques for identifying point sources by eye in photoluminescence (PL) images. This manual strategy is a bottleneck for discovering new SPE, motivating a more efficient method for characterizing emitters in PL images. Here, we present a quantitative method using image analysis and regression fitting to automatically identify Gaussian emitters in PL images and classify them according to their stability, shape, and intensity relative to the background. We demonstrate efficient emitter classification for SPE in nanodiamond arrays and hexagonal boron nitride flakes. Adaptive criteria detect SPE in both samples despite variation in emitter intensity, stability, and background features. The detection criteria can be tuned for specific material systems and experimental setups to accommodate the diverse properties of SPE.

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Photon emission correlation spectroscopy has a long history in the study of atoms, molecules, and, more recently, solid-state quantum defects. In solid-state systems, its most common use is as an indicator of single-photon emission, a key property for quantum technology. However, photon correlation data can provide a wealth of information about quantum emitters beyond their singlephoton purity -information that can reveal details about an emitter's electronic structure and optical dynamics that are hidden by other spectroscopy techniques. We present a standardized framework for using photon emission correlation spectroscopy to study quantum emitters, including discussion of theory, data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation. We highlight nuances and best practices regarding the commonly used g (2) (τ = 0) < 0.5 test for single-photon emission. Finally, we illustrate how this experimental technique can be paired with optical dynamics simulations to formulate an electronic model for unknown quantum emitters, enabling the design of quantum control protocols and assessment of their suitability for quantum information science applications.