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Scientific Reports

Hybrid System of an Optical Nanofibre and a Single Quantum Dot Operated at Cryogenic Temperatures

K. Muhammed Shafi, Wei Luo, Ramachandrarao Yalla, Kazunori Iida, Emi Tsutsumi, Akiharu Miyanaga, K. Hakuta

Published Sep 4, 2018• 20 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Recent progress in quantum nanophotonics brings novel ways for manipulating single photons in various nano-waveguides. Among them, one promising approach is to use optical nanofibres (ONFs), tapered optical fibres with sub-wavelength diameter waists. Here, we develop a hybrid system of an ONF and a single quantum dot (QD) operated at cryogenic temperatures. We deposit a single colloidal CdSe QD on an ONF waist and observe emitted photons through the fibre guided modes. We systematically investigate emission characteristics for both the neutral exciton and charged exciton (trion) for one specific QD. We quantitatively show that the trion at cryogenic temperatures acts as an excellent quantum emitter for the ONF and QD hybrid system. The present ONF/QD hybrid system at cryogenic temperatures paves the way for quantum information technologies for manipulating single photons in fibre networks.

DOI
10.1038/s41598-018-31888-3

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Emission characteristics for a single CdSe quantum dot on an optical nanofiber at cryogenic temperatures

K. Muhammed Shafi, Wei Luo, Ramachandrarao Yalla +1 more

Abstract We investigate the emission characteristics of a single CdSe quantum dot on an optical nanofiber at cryogenic temperatures from the viewpoint of quantum photonics. We show that the charged exciton (trion) of the quantum dot is a promising quantum emitter for both aspects of spectral and temporal characteristics. The nanofiber/quantum-dot system may give a promising work bench for the future quantum photonic network.

Journal of Physics Conference Series•May 1, 2019•1 citation

Quantum Photonics on a Tapered Optical Fiber

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A tapered optical fiber with subwavelength diameter waist, an optical nanofiber, provides a unique and all-fiber platform for manipulating atoms and photons. This paper presents some recent results towards quantum photonics on a nanofiber platform. In one direction, we demonstrate a quantum interface between trapped single atoms and fiber-guided photons using a nanofiber cavity. In the other direction, we demonstrate a polarized fiber-in-line quantum light source using a hybrid system of a single gold nanorod and single quantum dot deposited on a nanofiber.

Opto-Electronics and Communications Conference (OECC)•Jul 2, 2023•0 citations

Single Photon Generation and Spectroscopy Using Quantum Dots on Optical Nanofibers

Ramachandrarao Yalla

This thesis presents single photon generation and spectroscopy using quantum dots (q-dots) on optical nanofibers. Optical nanofibers are essentially vacuum-clad silica fibers with sub-wavelength diameter, which can support only the propagation of the fundamental mode through the guided mode. Optical nanofibers are realized using adiabatically tapered single mode optical fibers. Experiments were performed by depositing colloidal core-shell type CdSeTe (ZnS) q-dots on the optical nanofiber surface. A method is developed to deposit single q-dots systematically and reproducibly along the optical nanofiber. In the view point of investigation of fluorescence photon emission characteristics for single q-dots on optical nanofibers, the absolute fluorescence photon-count rates channeled into the nanofiber guided modes and the normalized photon correlations at various excitation laser intensities are measured. The results are able to obtain the product between the fluorescence photon channeling efficiency and the quantum efficiency of the single q-dots. However, the channeling efficiency cannot be determined without accurate information on the quantum efficiency of the single q-dots. Therefore, a method is devised to determine the channeling of fluorescence photons from single q-dots into the guided modes by measuring the fluorescence photon-count rates through the guided and radiation modes simultaneously. By measuring for various nanofiber diameters, a maximum channeling efficiency obtained to be 22.0 (±4.8)% at a fiber diameter of 350 nm for an emission wavelength of 780 nm. The measured results completely reproduce the theoretical predictions within the experimental error. We demonstrate in situ measurements of fluorescence quantum efficiency of single q-dots using the present nanofiber technique. We determine fluorescence quantum efficiency of single q-dots accurately by assuming the theoretical values for the channeling efficiency from the product of the channeling efficiency and the quantum efficiency. We demonstrate that one can pick up one q-dot on the nanofiber with fluorescence quantum efficiency higher than the average value measured for an ensemble. Thus, the optical nanofiber method offers a promising way for generating and manipulating single photons. This work should provide a basis for extending the optical nanofiber method to a general technique in quantum optics, which may open new possibilities in quantum information technologies.

•Jan 1, 2012•1 citation

Non-cryogenic on-chip single photon source based on semiconductor quantum dot

Francis Granger

Single-photon sources (SPS) are essential for secure quantum communication and quantum computing. Solid-state systems based on quantum dots (QDs) are particularly attractive for emitting pure, on-demand single photons, making them ideal candidates for flying qubits in quantum key distribution protocols. Integrating a SPS into photonic circuits is a key step toward scalable and "plug-and-play" quantum technologies. However, the SPS with the best performances (III-V QDs) operate only at cryogenic temperatures, a significant drawback for practical implementation. Alternatively, CdSe QDs (II-VI) are operational at 300 K and emit in the blue-green range, thus allowing for free-space long-distance communication in seawater and air.The thesis aims to develop an on-chip single-photon source that can operate at non-cryogenic temperatures. The SPS consists of a CdSe QD embedded within a ZnSe nanowire (NW) shell grown by molecular beam epitaxy on a patterned GaAs (111)B substrate. The NW geometry enhances light extraction by acting as a single-mode waveguide, while the conical ending of the shell improves emission control.We investigated the optical performance of the as-grown QD-NW emitter at room temperature, achieving a promising brightness of 0.17 photons per pulse and antibunching behavior with g(2)(0) < 0.3 within a reduced spectral window. However, the emission spectrum at 300 K features overlapping broad lines, leading to a trade-off between brightness and purity. At 6 K, we used a broadband filter to capture entirely the narrow exciton line and measured directly the photon count rate with an avalanche photodiode. In addition, we observed strong antibunching with a few percent purity through cathodoluminescence.Phonons impact the performance of the SPS at high temperatures, where broad lines overlap, and at cryogenic temperatures, where they reduce the photon indistinguishability. Understanding and controlling the influence of phonons has increased the need for high-accuracy temperature measurements at cryogenic temperatures. We present a calibration-free method to extract the local temperature from the emission spectrum, which we used to investigate the heating effects induced by non-resonant excitation. Additionally, we analysed the line-broadening mechanisms from cryogenic to room temperature. An extension of the Huang-Rhys model is developed to analytically describe the acoustic exciton-phonon interactions, accounting for multi-phonon processes. The model accurately fits emission spectra from 6 K to 300 K using parameters obtained from low-temperature data.The tapered nanowire shape is also an advantage for integration into a photonic device, enabling efficient evanescent coupling when the emitter is positioned next to a waveguide. The direct transfer using micromanipulators in a scanning electron microscope onto pre-fabricated waveguides is very challenging due to the tiny size of the waveguide at an emission wavelength of 550 nm. We developed a new approach, where the emitter is deposited within a large zone and then embedded within a resist, which serves as a mask during waveguide etching. This method significantly reduces the need for micro-manipulation and allows for promising prospects. We used finite-difference time-domain simulations to support the design and fabrication of the waveguides for optimal coupling.

•Oct 14, 2025•0 citations

Operating single quantum emitters with a compact Stirling cryocooler

Alexander Schlehahn, L. Krüger, Manuel Gschrey +5 more

The development of an easy-to-operate light source emitting single photons has become a major driving force in the emerging field of quantum information technology. Here, we report on the application of a compact and user-friendly Stirling cryocooler in the field of nanophotonics. The Stirling cryocooler is used to operate a single quantum emitter constituted of a semiconductor quantum dot (QD) at a base temperature below 30 K. Proper vibration decoupling of the cryocooler and its surrounding enables free-space micro-photoluminescence spectroscopy to identify and analyze different charge-carrier states within a single quantum dot. As an exemplary application in quantum optics, we perform a Hanbury-Brown and Twiss experiment demonstrating a strong suppression of multi-photon emission events with g((2))(0) < 0.04 from this Stirling-cooled single quantum emitter under continuous wave excitation. Comparative experiments performed on the same quantum dot in a liquid helium (LHe)-flow cryostat show almost identical values of g((2))(0) for both configurations at a given temperature. The results of this proof of principle experiment demonstrate that low-vibration Stirling cryocoolers that have so far been considered exotic to the field of nanophotonics are an attractive alternative to expensive closed-cycle cryostats or LHe-flow cryostats, which could pave the way for the development of high-quality table-top non-classical light sources.

Review of Scientific Instruments•Jan 1, 2015•34 citations

Optical characterisation of single quantum dots emitting at 1300nm

C. Zinoni

This thesis deals with the optical characterization of single quantum dot devices emitting at 1300nm. Thanks to the development and optimization of the growth technique we were able to achieve at the same time emission at 1300nm and ultra low QD densities. Our single QD devices present clear and reproducible spectral signatures in which we can identify exciton, biexciton and charged exciton transitions. Quasi-resonant excitation at 70K demonstrates background free single exciton transitions, which is very promising for the realization of a single photon device operating at temperatures in easy reach of thermoelectric coolers. A time-correlated single photon counting setup was built and used to measure the radiative lifetimes of single exciton transitions. These measurements also present new evidence on a background emission superposed to the narrow spectral transitions. Demonstration of single photon emission at these wavelengths required building a setup to measure the correlations between fiber-coupled single photons in a 300ps time window, emitted from a nano-device in free space at cryogenic temperatures, and with the capability of maintaining the optical alignment on a micrometer scale for several hours. With such a setup we have demonstrated that our QDs can generate single photon states at 1300nm. We used this single photon source to characterize novel detectors based on superconducting nanowires and measured for the first time the intensity correlation function at 1300nm on single photons from a QD. These detectors show at least 2 orders of magnitude improvement on the signal to noise ratio as compared to InGaAs APDs; this is very important since, for a QKD system, the detector noise, amongst others, determines the maximum distance over which a secure key can be exchanged. It should be noted that, due to the di±culties in these measurements, to date there has been only one other clear demonstration of single photon emission at 1300nm.

•Jan 1, 2007•0 citations
Recent progress in quantum nanophotonics brings novel ways for manipulating single photons in various nano-waveguides. Among them, one promising approach is to use optical nanofibres (ONFs), tapered optical fibres with sub-wavelength diameter waists. Here, we develop a hybrid system of an ONF and a single quantum dot (QD) operated at cryogenic temperatures. We deposit a single colloidal CdSe QD on an ONF waist and observe emitted photons through the fibre guided modes. We systematically investigate emission characteristics for both the neutral exciton and charged exciton (trion) for one specific QD. We quantitatively show that the trion at cryogenic temperatures acts as an excellent quantum emitter for the ONF and QD hybrid system. The present ONF/QD hybrid system at cryogenic temperatures paves the way for quantum information technologies for manipulating single photons in fibre networks.
A tapered optical fiber with subwavelength diameter waist, an optical nanofiber, provides a unique and all-fiber platform for manipulating atoms and photons. This paper presents some recent results towards quantum photonics on a nanofiber platform. In one direction, we demonstrate a quantum interface between trapped single atoms and fiber-guided photons using a nanofiber cavity. In the other direction, we demonstrate a polarized fiber-in-line quantum light source using a hybrid system of a single gold nanorod and single quantum dot deposited on a nanofiber.
This thesis presents single photon generation and spectroscopy using quantum dots (q-dots) on optical nanofibers. Optical nanofibers are essentially vacuum-clad silica fibers with sub-wavelength diameter, which can support only the propagation of the fundamental mode through the guided mode. Optical nanofibers are realized using adiabatically tapered single mode optical fibers. Experiments were performed by depositing colloidal core-shell type CdSeTe (ZnS) q-dots on the optical nanofiber surface. A method is developed to deposit single q-dots systematically and reproducibly along the optical nanofiber. In the view point of investigation of fluorescence photon emission characteristics for single q-dots on optical nanofibers, the absolute fluorescence photon-count rates channeled into the nanofiber guided modes and the normalized photon correlations at various excitation laser intensities are measured. The results are able to obtain the product between the fluorescence photon channeling efficiency and the quantum efficiency of the single q-dots. However, the channeling efficiency cannot be determined without accurate information on the quantum efficiency of the single q-dots. Therefore, a method is devised to determine the channeling of fluorescence photons from single q-dots into the guided modes by measuring the fluorescence photon-count rates through the guided and radiation modes simultaneously. By measuring for various nanofiber diameters, a maximum channeling efficiency obtained to be 22.0 (±4.8)% at a fiber diameter of 350 nm for an emission wavelength of 780 nm. The measured results completely reproduce the theoretical predictions within the experimental error. We demonstrate in situ measurements of fluorescence quantum efficiency of single q-dots using the present nanofiber technique. We determine fluorescence quantum efficiency of single q-dots accurately by assuming the theoretical values for the channeling efficiency from the product of the channeling efficiency and the quantum efficiency. We demonstrate that one can pick up one q-dot on the nanofiber with fluorescence quantum efficiency higher than the average value measured for an ensemble. Thus, the optical nanofiber method offers a promising way for generating and manipulating single photons. This work should provide a basis for extending the optical nanofiber method to a general technique in quantum optics, which may open new possibilities in quantum information technologies.
Single-photon sources (SPS) are essential for secure quantum communication and quantum computing. Solid-state systems based on quantum dots (QDs) are particularly attractive for emitting pure, on-demand single photons, making them ideal candidates for flying qubits in quantum key distribution protocols. Integrating a SPS into photonic circuits is a key step toward scalable and "plug-and-play" quantum technologies. However, the SPS with the best performances (III-V QDs) operate only at cryogenic temperatures, a significant drawback for practical implementation. Alternatively, CdSe QDs (II-VI) are operational at 300 K and emit in the blue-green range, thus allowing for free-space long-distance communication in seawater and air.The thesis aims to develop an on-chip single-photon source that can operate at non-cryogenic temperatures. The SPS consists of a CdSe QD embedded within a ZnSe nanowire (NW) shell grown by molecular beam epitaxy on a patterned GaAs (111)B substrate. The NW geometry enhances light extraction by acting as a single-mode waveguide, while the conical ending of the shell improves emission control.We investigated the optical performance of the as-grown QD-NW emitter at room temperature, achieving a promising brightness of 0.17 photons per pulse and antibunching behavior with g(2)(0) < 0.3 within a reduced spectral window. However, the emission spectrum at 300 K features overlapping broad lines, leading to a trade-off between brightness and purity. At 6 K, we used a broadband filter to capture entirely the narrow exciton line and measured directly the photon count rate with an avalanche photodiode. In addition, we observed strong antibunching with a few percent purity through cathodoluminescence.Phonons impact the performance of the SPS at high temperatures, where broad lines overlap, and at cryogenic temperatures, where they reduce the photon indistinguishability. Understanding and controlling the influence of phonons has increased the need for high-accuracy temperature measurements at cryogenic temperatures. We present a calibration-free method to extract the local temperature from the emission spectrum, which we used to investigate the heating effects induced by non-resonant excitation. Additionally, we analysed the line-broadening mechanisms from cryogenic to room temperature. An extension of the Huang-Rhys model is developed to analytically describe the acoustic exciton-phonon interactions, accounting for multi-phonon processes. The model accurately fits emission spectra from 6 K to 300 K using parameters obtained from low-temperature data.The tapered nanowire shape is also an advantage for integration into a photonic device, enabling efficient evanescent coupling when the emitter is positioned next to a waveguide. The direct transfer using micromanipulators in a scanning electron microscope onto pre-fabricated waveguides is very challenging due to the tiny size of the waveguide at an emission wavelength of 550 nm. We developed a new approach, where the emitter is deposited within a large zone and then embedded within a resist, which serves as a mask during waveguide etching. This method significantly reduces the need for micro-manipulation and allows for promising prospects. We used finite-difference time-domain simulations to support the design and fabrication of the waveguides for optimal coupling.
The development of an easy-to-operate light source emitting single photons has become a major driving force in the emerging field of quantum information technology. Here, we report on the application of a compact and user-friendly Stirling cryocooler in the field of nanophotonics. The Stirling cryocooler is used to operate a single quantum emitter constituted of a semiconductor quantum dot (QD) at a base temperature below 30 K. Proper vibration decoupling of the cryocooler and its surrounding enables free-space micro-photoluminescence spectroscopy to identify and analyze different charge-carrier states within a single quantum dot. As an exemplary application in quantum optics, we perform a Hanbury-Brown and Twiss experiment demonstrating a strong suppression of multi-photon emission events with g((2))(0) < 0.04 from this Stirling-cooled single quantum emitter under continuous wave excitation. Comparative experiments performed on the same quantum dot in a liquid helium (LHe)-flow cryostat show almost identical values of g((2))(0) for both configurations at a given temperature. The results of this proof of principle experiment demonstrate that low-vibration Stirling cryocoolers that have so far been considered exotic to the field of nanophotonics are an attractive alternative to expensive closed-cycle cryostats or LHe-flow cryostats, which could pave the way for the development of high-quality table-top non-classical light sources.
This thesis deals with the optical characterization of single quantum dot devices emitting at 1300nm. Thanks to the development and optimization of the growth technique we were able to achieve at the same time emission at 1300nm and ultra low QD densities. Our single QD devices present clear and reproducible spectral signatures in which we can identify exciton, biexciton and charged exciton transitions. Quasi-resonant excitation at 70K demonstrates background free single exciton transitions, which is very promising for the realization of a single photon device operating at temperatures in easy reach of thermoelectric coolers. A time-correlated single photon counting setup was built and used to measure the radiative lifetimes of single exciton transitions. These measurements also present new evidence on a background emission superposed to the narrow spectral transitions. Demonstration of single photon emission at these wavelengths required building a setup to measure the correlations between fiber-coupled single photons in a 300ps time window, emitted from a nano-device in free space at cryogenic temperatures, and with the capability of maintaining the optical alignment on a micrometer scale for several hours. With such a setup we have demonstrated that our QDs can generate single photon states at 1300nm. We used this single photon source to characterize novel detectors based on superconducting nanowires and measured for the first time the intensity correlation function at 1300nm on single photons from a QD. These detectors show at least 2 orders of magnitude improvement on the signal to noise ratio as compared to InGaAs APDs; this is very important since, for a QKD system, the detector noise, amongst others, determines the maximum distance over which a secure key can be exchanged. It should be noted that, due to the di±culties in these measurements, to date there has been only one other clear demonstration of single photon emission at 1300nm.