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A nanomembrane-based wavelength-tunable high-speed single-photon-emitting diode
Jiaxiang Zhang1, Fei Ding, Eugenio Zallo
1Institute for Integrative Nanosciences, IFW Dresden , Helmholtzstraße 20, 01069 Germany.
Nano Letters
|November 9, 2013
Summary
Researchers developed the first all-electrically operated, wavelength-tunable single-photon source. This device uses quantum dots in a nanomembrane on a piezoelectric crystal for on-demand, tunable single-photon generation.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Solid-state physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Single-photon sources are crucial for quantum technologies.
- Existing sources often require complex optical setups for tuning and triggering.
- Electrically driven sources offer potential for miniaturization and integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate an all-electrically operated, wavelength-tunable single-photon source.
- To achieve on-demand generation of triggered single photons.
- To enable precise energy tuning of emitted photons.
Main Methods:
- Integration of a light-emitting diode with self-assembled quantum dots into a semiconductor nanomembrane.
- Mounting the nanomembrane onto a piezoelectric crystal.
- Utilizing ultrashort electrical pulses for photon generation and piezoelectric voltage for wavelength tuning.
Main Results:
- Successful demonstration of an all-electrically operated single-photon source.
- Achieved wavelength tunability over a broad range by adjusting piezoelectric voltage.
- Demonstrated high-speed operation up to 0.8 GHz.
- Generated triggered single photons on demand.
Conclusions:
- This work presents a significant advancement in on-demand single-photon generation.
- The developed device is a key step towards electrically driven sources of indistinguishable photons.
- Potential applications in quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum sensing.
