Inhibited radiative decay enhances single-photon emitters

Area of Science:

• Quantum Information Science
• Quantum Photonics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Efficient spin-photon interfaces are crucial for quantum networks and modular quantum computers.
• Current methods using optical resonators face limitations in multiplexing capacity and frequency tuning.
• Upscaling quantum technologies requires overcoming these bottlenecks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate an alternative approach for efficient spin-photon interfaces that circumvents resonator limitations.
• To enable scalable quantum technologies by improving emitter addressing and coherence.
• To explore novel methods for controlling light-matter interactions in quantum systems.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a W1 silicon photonic-crystal waveguide with a tailored photonic bandgap.
• Selectively inhibited unwanted optical decay pathways to redirect emission.
• Investigated the effect on erbium dopant emission and coherence properties.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated efficient photon collection over a large frequency range.
• Enabled resolution and individual addressing of tens of erbium dopants.
• Preserved or increased emitter lifetimes and improved coherence by using lower dopant concentrations.

Conclusions:

• The photonic bandgap approach offers a scalable solution for spin-photon interfaces, bypassing resonator limitations.
• This method allows for efficient, frequency-agile addressing of multiple quantum emitters.
• The technique holds promise for advancing photonic quantum technologies and can be combined with Purcell enhancement.