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Updated: Oct 10, 2025

Compact Quantum Dots for Single-molecule Imaging
Published on: October 9, 2012
Narrow and Stable Single Photon Emission from Dibenzoterrylene in para-Terphenyl Nanocrystals
Ross C Schofield1, Paul Burdekin1, Anastasios Fasoulakis1,2
1Centre for Cold Matter, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, SW7 2AZ, London, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Single organic molecules are promising photon sources for quantum technologies. In this work we show photon emission from dibenzoterrylene, a widely used organic emitter, in a new host matrix, para-terphenyl. We present a reprecipitation growth method that produces para-terphenyl nanocrystals which are ideal for integration into nanophotonic devices due to their small size. We characterise the optical properties of dibenzoterrylene in nanocrystals at room and cryogenic temperatures, showing bright, narrow emission from a single molecule. Spectral data on the vibrational energies is presented and a further 25 additional molecules are characterised. This emitter-host combination has potential for quantum technology purposes with wavelengths suitable for interfacing with quantum memories.
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