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Measurement of Quantum Interference in a Silicon Ring Resonator Photon Source
Published on: April 4, 2017
Indistinguishable photons from independent semiconductor nanostructures.
Kaoru Sanaka1, Alexander Pawlis, Thaddeus D Ladd
1Edward L. Ginzton Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-4088, USA. sanaka@stanford.edu
Physical Review Letters
|October 2, 2009
Summary
We demonstrate quantum interference between single photons from fluorine donor impurities in semiconductor nanostructures. This shows potential for scalable quantum technologies like quantum computers and communication networks.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Solid-state physics
- Materials science
Background:
- Excitons in semiconductor nanostructures are key for quantum light generation.
- Achieving atom-like coherence in solid-state emitters is crucial for quantum technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate quantum interference of single photons from donor impurities in ZnSe/ZnMgSe quantum wells.
- To confirm the single-photon generation and indistinguishability for potential quantum applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing radiative decay of excitons bound to fluorine donor impurities in nanostructures.
- Performing autocorrelation experiments to verify single-photon generation.
- Conducting Hong-Ou-Mandel interference experiments to confirm photon indistinguishability.
Main Results:
- Quantum interference between photons emitted from isolated fluorine donor impurities was successfully demonstrated.
- Single-photon generation was confirmed through autocorrelation measurements.
- Indistinguishability of photons from independent nanostructures was verified using a Hong-Ou-Mandel dip.
Conclusions:
- Donor impurities in engineered semiconductor nanostructures exhibit atom-like homogeneity and coherence.
- These findings pave the way for scalable technologies in optical quantum computing and quantum communication networks.
