Semiconductor nanowires for non classical light sources

Masahide Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Sumitomo, Masamichi Yamanishi +1 more

Masamichi Yamanishi, Hiroyuki Sumitomo, Masahide Kobayashi +1 more

Dan Dalacu, Philip J. Poole, Robin L. Williams

Sources of quantum light that utilize photonic nanowire designs have emerged as potential candidates for high efficiency non-classical light generation in quantum information processing. In this review we cover the different platforms used to produce nanowire-based sources, highlighting the importance of waveguide design and material properties in achieving optimal performance. The limitations of the sources are identified and routes to optimization are proposed. State-of-the-art nanowire sources are compared to other solid-state quantum emitter platforms with regard to the key metrics of single photon purity, indistinguishability and entangled-pair fidelity to maximally entangled Bell states. We also discuss the unique ability of the nanowire platform to incorporate multiple emitters in the same optical mode and consider potential applications. Finally, routes to on-chip integration are discussed and the challenges facing the development of a nanowire-based scalable architecture are presented.

Jingzhong Yang, Michael Zopf, Fei Ding

Abstract Semiconductor quantum dots are leading candidates for the on-demand generation of single photons and entangled photon pairs. High photon quality and indistinguishability of photons from different sources are critical for quantum information applications. The inability to grow perfectly identical quantum dots with ideal optical properties necessitates the application of post-growth tuning techniques via e.g. temperature, electric, magnetic or strain fields. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the-art and highlight the advantages of strain tunable non-classical photon sources based on epitaxial quantum dots. Using piezoelectric crystals like PMN-PT, the wavelength of single photons and entangled photon pairs emitted by InGaAs/GaAs quantum dots can be tuned reversibly. Combining with quantum light-emitting diodes simultaneously allows for electrical triggering and the tuning of wavelength or exciton fine structure. Emission from light hole exciton can be tuned, and quantum dot containing nanostructure such as nanowires have been piezo-integrated. To ensure the indistinguishability of photons from distant emitters, the wavelength drift caused by piezo creep can be compensated by frequency feedback, which is verified by two-photon interference with photons from two stabilized sources. Therefore, strain tuning proves to be a flexible and reliable tool for the development of scalable quantum dots-based non-classical photon sources.

Isabelle Robert-Philip, Emmanuel Moreau, Spyridon Varoutsis +4 more

Rahul Trivedi, Kevin A. Fischer, Jelena Vuckovic A +1 more

Abstract Sources of non‐classical light are of paramount importance for future applications in quantum science and technology such as quantum communication, quantum computation and simulation, quantum sensing, and quantum metrology. This Review is focused on the fundamentals and recent progress in the generation of single photons, entangled photon pairs, and photonic cluster states using semiconductor quantum dots. Specific fundamentals which are discussed are a detailed quantum description of light, properties of semiconductor quantum dots, and light–matter interactions. This includes a framework for the dynamic modeling of non‐classical light generation and two‐photon interference. Recent progress is discussed in the generation of non‐classical light for off‐chip applications as well as implementations for scalable on‐chip integration.