Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:0710.3516 · Optics Express

Realization of two Fourier-limited solid-state single-photon sources

R. Lettow, V. Ahtee, R. Pfab, Alois Renn, E. Ikonen, Stephan Götzinger, Vahid Sandoghdar

Published Jan 1, 2007• 28 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We demonstrate two solid-state sources of indistinguishable single photons. High resolution laser spectroscopy and optical microscopy were combined at T = 1.4 K to identify individual molecules in two independent microscopes. The Stark effect was exploited to shift the transition frequency of a given molecule and thus obtain single photon sources with perfect spectral overlap. Our experimental arrangement sets the ground for the realization of various quantum interference and information processing experiments.

DOI
10.1364/oe.15.015842

Related papers

Realization of two Fourier-limited solid-state single-photon sources

R. Lettow, Ville Ahtee, R. Pfab +4 more

We demonstrate two solid-state sources of indistinguishable single photons. High resolution laser spectroscopy and optical microscopy were combined at T = 1.4 K to identify individual molecules in two independent microscopes. The Stark effect was exploited to shift the transition frequency of a given molecule and thus obtain single photon sources with perfect spectral overlap. Our experimental arrangement sets the ground for the realization of various quantum interference and information processing experiments. (c) 2007 Optical Society of America.

•Jan 1, 2007•27 citations

Molecules as sources for indistinguishable single photons

Ville Ahtee, R. Lettow, R. Pfab +4 more

We report on the triggered generation of identical photons by solid-state single-photon sources in two separate cryogenic laser scanning microscopes. Organic fluorescent molecules were used as emitters and investigated by means of high resolution laser spectroscopy. Continuous-wave photon correlation measurements on individual molecules proved the isolation of single quantum systems. By using frequency selective pulsed excitation of the molecule and efficient spectral filtering of its emission, we produced triggered Fourier-limited single photons. In a further step, local electric fields were applied to match the emission wavelengths of two different molecules via Stark effect. Identical single photons are indispensable for the realization of various quantum information processing schemes proposed. The solid-state approach presented here paves the way to the integration of multiple bright sources of single photons on a single chip.

arXiv:0810.4258•Journal of Modern Optics•Jan 16, 2009•18 citations

Quantum Interference of Tunably Indistinguishable Photons from Remote Organic Molecules

R. Lettow, Yves L. A. Rezus, Alois Renn +4 more

We demonstrate two-photon interference using two remote single molecules as bright solid-state sources of indistinguishable photons. By varying the transition frequency and spectral width of one molecule, we tune and explore the effect of photon distinguishability. We discuss future improvements on the brightness of single-photon beams, their integration by large numbers on chips, and the extension of our experimental scheme to coupling and entanglement of distant molecules.

arXiv:0911.3031•Physical Review Letters•Mar 26, 2010•178 citations

Optical Spectroscopy on Single Molecules in Solids

Daniel Walser

Experiments with single quantum systems are at the frontier of modern physics. Probing single molecules allows for very precise control of light-matter interaction and for quantum optical studies. Moreover, a single guest molecule in a solid host matrix is a very sensitive probe of local dynamics in its nano-environment. Fluorescence excitation spectroscopy on single molecules is a powerful tool for spectroscopic characterizations at highest resolution, as information can be revealed that is not accessible in experiments on ensembles of molecules. The detection of the fluorescence signal of a single absorber is achieved by exploiting the high spectral selectivity given by the ratio (10 10) of homogeneous to inhomogeneous linewidths of optical transitions at cryogenic temperatures (zero-phonon transitions). Two-photon fluorescence excitation, a fundamental nonlinear optical process, was observed on a single quantum system [1]. Single diphenyl-octatetraene molecules trapped in an n-tetradecane matrix were excited from the 1Ag ground to the lowest excited singlet state by simultaneous absorption of two photons using a single-mode cw laser. Excited molecules were observed through weak one-photon emission resulting from a symmetry breaking induced by the crystal field. The fundamental principles and the experimental technique of single molecule spectroscopy will be introduced briefly and some particular single molecule experiments presented. This work was done in collaboration with T. Plakhotnik, A. Renn and U.P. Wild

Kluwer Academic Publishers eBooks•Mar 5, 2006•1 citation

Quantum Interference of Tunably Indistinguishable Photons from Remote Organic Molecules

Yves L. A. Rezus, R. Lettow, Alois Renn +4 more

We demonstrate two-photon interference using two remote organic molecules as bright solid-state sources of indistinguishable photons. By varying the transition frequency and spectral width of one molecule, we explore the effect of photon distinguishability.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics•Jan 1, 2010•16 citations

Multiple intrinsically identical single-photon emitters in the solid state

Lachlan J. Rogers, Kay D. Jahnke, Tokuyuki Teraji +8 more

Emitters of indistinguishable single photons are crucial for the growing field of quantum technologies. To realize scalability and increase the complexity of quantum optics technologies, multiple independent yet identical single-photon emitters are required. However, typical solid-state single-photon sources are inherently dissimilar, necessitating the use of electrical feedback or optical cavities to improve spectral overlap between distinct emitters. Here we demonstrate bright silicon vacancy (SiV−) centres in low-strain bulk diamond, which show spectral overlap of up to 91% and nearly transform-limited excitation linewidths. This is the first time that distinct single-photon emitters in the solid state have shown intrinsically identical spectral properties. Our results have impact on the application of single-photon sources for quantum optics and cryptography. In quantum optical technologies, identical emitters of indistinguishable single photons are difficult to realize due to the inherent dissimilarity of each emitting device. Here, Rogers et al.demonstrate a solid-state uniform single-photon source, which does not require external tuning of optical properties.

arXiv:1310.3804•Nature Communications•Aug 27, 2014•300 citations
We demonstrate two solid-state sources of indistinguishable single photons. High resolution laser spectroscopy and optical microscopy were combined at T = 1.4 K to identify individual molecules in two independent microscopes. The Stark effect was exploited to shift the transition frequency of a given molecule and thus obtain single photon sources with perfect spectral overlap. Our experimental arrangement sets the ground for the realization of various quantum interference and information processing experiments.
We demonstrate two solid-state sources of indistinguishable single photons. High resolution laser spectroscopy and optical microscopy were combined at T = 1.4 K to identify individual molecules in two independent microscopes. The Stark effect was exploited to shift the transition frequency of a given molecule and thus obtain single photon sources with perfect spectral overlap. Our experimental arrangement sets the ground for the realization of various quantum interference and information processing experiments. (c) 2007 Optical Society of America.
We report on the triggered generation of identical photons by solid-state single-photon sources in two separate cryogenic laser scanning microscopes. Organic fluorescent molecules were used as emitters and investigated by means of high resolution laser spectroscopy. Continuous-wave photon correlation measurements on individual molecules proved the isolation of single quantum systems. By using frequency selective pulsed excitation of the molecule and efficient spectral filtering of its emission, we produced triggered Fourier-limited single photons. In a further step, local electric fields were applied to match the emission wavelengths of two different molecules via Stark effect. Identical single photons are indispensable for the realization of various quantum information processing schemes proposed. The solid-state approach presented here paves the way to the integration of multiple bright sources of single photons on a single chip.
Experiments with single quantum systems are at the frontier of modern physics. Probing single molecules allows for very precise control of light-matter interaction and for quantum optical studies. Moreover, a single guest molecule in a solid host matrix is a very sensitive probe of local dynamics in its nano-environment. Fluorescence excitation spectroscopy on single molecules is a powerful tool for spectroscopic characterizations at highest resolution, as information can be revealed that is not accessible in experiments on ensembles of molecules. The detection of the fluorescence signal of a single absorber is achieved by exploiting the high spectral selectivity given by the ratio (10 10) of homogeneous to inhomogeneous linewidths of optical transitions at cryogenic temperatures (zero-phonon transitions). Two-photon fluorescence excitation, a fundamental nonlinear optical process, was observed on a single quantum system [1]. Single diphenyl-octatetraene molecules trapped in an n-tetradecane matrix were excited from the 1Ag ground to the lowest excited singlet state by simultaneous absorption of two photons using a single-mode cw laser. Excited molecules were observed through weak one-photon emission resulting from a symmetry breaking induced by the crystal field. The fundamental principles and the experimental technique of single molecule spectroscopy will be introduced briefly and some particular single molecule experiments presented. This work was done in collaboration with T. Plakhotnik, A. Renn and U.P. Wild
Emitters of indistinguishable single photons are crucial for the growing field of quantum technologies. To realize scalability and increase the complexity of quantum optics technologies, multiple independent yet identical single-photon emitters are required. However, typical solid-state single-photon sources are inherently dissimilar, necessitating the use of electrical feedback or optical cavities to improve spectral overlap between distinct emitters. Here we demonstrate bright silicon vacancy (SiV−) centres in low-strain bulk diamond, which show spectral overlap of up to 91% and nearly transform-limited excitation linewidths. This is the first time that distinct single-photon emitters in the solid state have shown intrinsically identical spectral properties. Our results have impact on the application of single-photon sources for quantum optics and cryptography. In quantum optical technologies, identical emitters of indistinguishable single photons are difficult to realize due to the inherent dissimilarity of each emitting device. Here, Rogers et al.demonstrate a solid-state uniform single-photon source, which does not require external tuning of optical properties.