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A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference
Published on: September 5, 2019
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A quantum dot single-photon source with on-the-fly all-optical polarization control and timed emission
Dirk Heinze1, Dominik Breddermann1, Artur Zrenner1
1Department of Physics, Center for Optoelectronics and Photonics Paderborn (CeOPP), Universität Paderborn, Warburger Strasse 100, 33098 Paderborn, Germany.
Nature Communications
|October 6, 2015
Summary
Researchers demonstrate a new method for generating single photons from semiconductor quantum dots. This technique allows on-demand control over photon polarization, frequency, and emission time, advancing quantum information science applications.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Information Science
- Semiconductor Physics
Background:
- Semiconductor quantum dots are promising sources for single photons in quantum technologies.
- Current methods often have probabilistic control over photon properties like polarization and emission timing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate direct two-photon emission from the biexciton in semiconductor quantum dots.
- To explore on-demand control of single photon properties via laser manipulation.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a laser pulse to drive the quantum dot system into a virtual state within the band gap.
- Observing spontaneous single photon emission from this intermediate biexciton state.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated direct two-photon emission as a viable pathway for single photon generation.
- Showcased on-the-fly control of photon polarization, frequency, and emission time through the driving laser pulse.
Conclusions:
- Direct two-photon emission offers a versatile method for generating controllable single photons.
- This approach enhances the potential of semiconductor quantum dots for integrated quantum information processing.
