Monolithic source of photon pairs

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Semiconductor device physics
• Integrated photonics

Background:

• Monolithic integration of quantum light sources is crucial for scalable quantum technologies.
• Existing methods face challenges in stability and miniaturization.
• Gallium arsenide offers a promising platform for integrated optoelectronics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate efficient photon pair production in a monolithic semiconductor platform.
• To advance the development of scalable and stable sources for quantum information processing.
• To explore the potential of gallium arsenide for integrated quantum optical circuits.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 2.2 mm long Bragg-reflection waveguide in gallium arsenide.
• Employed type-I spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) of laser light.
• Estimated internal pair production efficiency through experimental measurements.

Main Results:

• Achieved efficient photon pair generation via SPDC in gallium arsenide.
• Estimated an internal pair production efficiency of 2.0×10⁻⁸ pairs per pump photon.
• Demonstrated significant pair production in an electrically self-pumpable structure.

Conclusions:

• This work represents a significant advancement towards integrated quantum optical technologies.
• Gallium arsenide is a viable material for creating scalable, monolithic sources of single and entangled photons.
• The demonstrated technology paves the way for passive optical circuitry and complete quantum integration.