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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
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A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference
Published on: September 5, 2019
Two-photon interference between independent atomic and quantum dot single-photon sources for hybrid quantum network
Kyu-Young Kim1, Heewoo Kim2, Dong Hyun Park1
1Department of Physics, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea.
Light, Science & Applications
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Researchers created indistinguishable photons from a warm atomic ensemble and a quantum dot, enabling hybrid quantum networks. This breakthrough avoids spectral modification, simplifying entanglement distribution between diverse quantum systems.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Information Science
- Quantum Networking
- Atomic Physics
- Solid-State Physics
Background:
- Hybrid quantum systems integrate diverse quantum platforms for enhanced capabilities.
- Interfacing heterogeneous quantum nodes and distributing entanglement are key challenges.
- Dissimilar quantum nodes emit photons with distinct spectral and temporal properties, necessitating complex synchronization and spectral modification, leading to photon loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the generation of indistinguishable photons from two distinct quantum systems: a warm atomic ensemble and a solid-state quantum dot.
- To achieve two-photon interference between these dissimilar sources without spectral modification.
- To provide a practical pathway for developing functional hybrid quantum nodes and networks.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 133Cs atomic ensemble to generate heralded single photons at 917 nm.
- Employed an InAs/GaAs quantum dot, tuned to match the 133Cs transition wavelength.
- Employed continuous-wave operation and time-resolved coincidence detection to achieve two-photon interference.
Main Results:
- Successfully generated indistinguishable photons from the atomic ensemble and quantum dot.
- Achieved two-photon interference between dissimilar sources without spectral modification.
- Observed high spectral similarity (overlap of 0.88) in wavelength and spectral linewidth.
- Attained high detection rates approaching the MHz range for both sources.
Conclusions:
- Intrinsic spectral compatibility between dissimilar quantum sources is achievable.
- This approach offers a practical route for interfacing heterogeneous quantum nodes.
- Enables leveraging the advantages of different quantum platforms for scalable and functional hybrid quantum networks.
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