Wiring up pre-characterized single-photon emitters by laser lithography

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Nanotechnology
• Materials science

Background:

• Future quantum optical chips require integration of multiple components like single-photon emitters and detectors.
• Scalable methods for precisely wiring these components in 3D are crucial for chip functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a scalable 3D fabrication technique for integrating single-photon emitters into quantum optical chips.
• To demonstrate the creation of functional 3D waveguide elements with integrated emitters.

Main Methods:

• Localization and characterization of nitrogen vacancies in nanodiamonds within a low-fluorescence photoresist.
• Aligned 3D laser lithography performed in situ using the same optical instrument.
• Fabrication and characterization of 3D crossed-arc waveguide elements housing single-photon emitters.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of a scalable optical localization-selection-lithography procedure.
• Creation of 3D functional waveguide elements with precisely positioned single-photon emitters.
• Integrated optical excitation and efficient background suppression achieved within the fabricated elements.

Conclusions:

• The developed procedure offers a scalable pathway for fabricating complex 3D quantum optical circuits.
• This method facilitates the integration of single-photon emitters, crucial for advancing quantum technologies.
• The fabricated waveguide elements demonstrate potential for efficient light manipulation and signal isolation in quantum chips.