On efficient interaction of single molecules and single photons

G. Wrigge, Ilja Gerhardt, Jaesuk Hwang +2 more

Wang, D., Kelkar, H., Cano, D. +5 more

The use of molecules in quantum optical applications has been hampered by incoherent internal vibrations and other phononic interactions with their environment. Here we show that an organic molecule placed into an optical microcavity behaves as a coherent two-level quantum system. This allows the observation of 99% extinction of a laser beam by a single molecule, saturation with less than 0.5 photons and non-classical generation of few-photons super-bunched light. Furthermore, we demonstrate efficient interaction of the molecule–microcavity system with single photons generated by a second molecule in a distant laboratory. Our achievements represent an important step towards linear and nonlinear quantum photonic circuits based on organic platforms.

Rezus, Walt, Zumofen +3 more

Yves L. A. Rezus, Samuel G. Walt, R. Lettow +4 more

Efficient interaction of light and matter at the ultimate limit of single photons and single emitters is of great interest from a fundamental point of view and for emerging applications in quantum engineering. However, the difficulty of generating single-photon streams with specific wavelengths, bandwidths, and power as well as the weak interaction probability of a single photon with an optical emitter pose a formidable challenge toward this goal. Here, we demonstrate a general approach based on the creation of single photons from a single emitter and their use for performing spectroscopy on a second emitter situated at a distance. While this first proof of principle realization uses organic molecules as emitters, the scheme is readily extendable to quantum dots and color centers. Our work ushers in a new line of experiments that provide access to the coherent and nonlinear couplings of few emitters and few propagating photons.

Bo Jing

P. Jonsson, John Rarity, Stephen C. Kitson +1 more

Summary form only given. Summary from only given. We are trying to develop high efficiency sources of single photons for quantum optics applications. We aim to do this by isolating single dye molecules thus limiting our maximum emission per pump pulse to a single photon. We show that a single dye molecule can be used for single-photon generation. However, dye molecules have problems with photostability. The molecules undergo irreversible bleaching after approximately 10/sup 5/ to 10/sup 6/ photon emissions.