ACS Photonics

Photostable Molecules on Chip: Integrated Sources of Nonclassical Light

Pietro Lombardi, Anna P. Ovvyan, Sofia Pazzagli, Giacomo Mazzamuto, Günter Kewes, Oliver Neitzke, Nico Gruhler, Oliver J. Benson, Wolfram H. P. Pernice, F. S. Cataliotti, Costanza Toninelli

Published Sep 29, 2017• 69 citations

Publisher

Abstract

The on-chip integration of quantum light sources and nonlinear elements constitutes a major step toward scalable photon-based quantum information processing and communication. In this work we demonstrate the potential of a hybrid technology that combines organic-molecule-based quantum emitters and dielectric chips consisting of ridge waveguides and grating far-field couplers. In particular, dibenzoterrylene molecules in thin anthracene crystals are used as single-photon sources, exhibiting long-term photostability, easy fabrication methods, almost unitary quantum yield, and lifetime-limited emission at cryogenic temperatures. We couple such single emitters to silicon nitride ridge waveguides, showing a coupling efficiency of up to 42 ± 2% over both propagation directions. Our results open a novel path toward a fully integrated and scalable photon-processing platform.

DOI: 10.1021/acsphotonics.7b00521

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