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

ACS Photonics

On-Demand Generation of Indistinguishable Photons in the Telecom C-Band Using Quantum Dot Devices

Daniel A. Vajner, Paweł Holewa, Emilia Zięba-Ostój, Maja Wasiluk, Martin von Helversen, Aurimas Sakanas, Alexander Huck, Kresten Yvind, Niels Gregersen, Anna Musiał, M. Syperek, Elizaveta S. Semenova, Tobias Heindel

Published Jan 23, 2024• 49 citations
Publisher

Abstract

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) enable the generation of single and entangled photons, which are useful for various applications in photonic quantum technologies. Specifically for quantum communication via fiber-optical networks, operation in the telecom C-band centered around 1550 nm is ideal. The direct generation of QD-photons in this spectral range with high quantum-optical quality, however, remained challenging. Here, we demonstrate the coherent on-demand generation of indistinguishable photons in the telecom C-band from single QD devices consisting of InAs/InP QD-mesa structures heterogeneously integrated with a metallic reflector on a silicon wafer. Using pulsed two-photon resonant excitation of the biexciton–exciton radiative cascade, we observe Rabi rotations up to pulse areas of 4π and a high single-photon purity in terms of g (2) (0) = 0.005(1) and 0.015(1) for exciton and biexciton photons, respectively. Applying two independent experimental methods, based on fitting Rabi rotations in the emission intensity and performing photon cross-correlation measurements, we consistently obtain preparation fidelities at the π-pulse exceeding 80%. Finally, performing Hong–Ou–Mandel-type two-photon interference experiments, we obtain a photon-indistinguishability of the full photon wave packet of up to 35(3)%, representing a significant advancement in the photon-indistinguishability of single photons emitted directly in the telecom C-band.

DOI
10.1021/acsphotonics.3c00973

Related papers

On-Demand Generation of Indistinguishable Photons in the Telecom C-Band using Quantum Dot Devices

Daniel A. Vajner, Paweł Holewa, Emilia Zięba-Ostój +10 more

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) enable the generation of single and entangled photons, useful for various applications in photonic quantum technologies. Specifically for quantum communication via fiber-optical networks, operation in the telecom C-band centered around 1550$\,$nm is ideal. The direct generation of QD-photons in this spectral range and with high quantum-optical quality, however, remained challenging. Here, we demonstrate the coherent on-demand generation of indistinguishable photons in the telecom C-band from single QD devices consisting of InAs/InP QD-mesa structures heterogeneously integrated with a metallic reflector on a silicon wafer. Using pulsed two-photon resonant excitation of the biexciton-exciton radiative cascade, we observe Rabi rotations up to pulse areas of $4π$ and a high single-photon purity in terms of $g^{(2)}(0)=0.005(1)$ and $0.015(1)$ for exciton and biexciton photons, respectively. Applying two independent experimental methods, based on fitting Rabi rotations in the emission intensity and performing photon cross-correlation measurements, we consistently obtain preparation fidelities at the $π$-pulse exceeding 80$\%$. Finally, performing Hong-Ou-Mandel-type two-photon interference experiments we obtain a photon-indistinguishability of the full photon wave packet of up to $35(3)\%$, representing a significant advancement in the photon-indistinguishability of single photons emitted directly in the telecom C-band.

arXiv:2306.08668•Jun 14, 2023•1 citation

Coherence and indistinguishability of highly pure single photons from non-resonantly and resonantly excited telecom C-band quantum dots

Cornelius Nawrath, F. Olbrich, M. Paul +3 more

The role of resonant pumping schemes in improving the photon coherence is investigated on InAs/InGaAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) emitting in the telecom C-band. The linewidths of transitions of multiple exemplary quantum dots are determined under above-band pumping and resonance fluorescence (RF) via Fourier-transform spectroscopy and resonance scans, respectively. The average linewidth is reduced from (9.74 ± 3.3) GHz in the above-band excitation to (3.50 ± 0.39) GHz under RF underlining its superior coherence properties. Furthermore, the feasibility of coherent state preparation with a fidelity of (49.2 ± 5.8)% is demonstrated, constituting a first step toward on-demand generation of coherent, single, telecom C-band photons directly emitted by QDs. Finally, two-photon excitation of the biexciton is investigated as a resonant pumping scheme. A deconvoluted single-photon purity value of gHBT(2)(0)=0.072 ± 0.104 and a postselected degree of indistinguishability of VHOM=0.894 ± 0.109 are determined for the biexciton transition. This represents another step in demonstrating the necessary quantum optical properties for prospective applications.

arXiv:1903.03030•Applied Physics Letters•Jul 8, 2019•74 citations

On-Demand Generation of Entangled Photon Pairs in the Telecom C-Band with InAs Quantum Dots

Katharina D. Zeuner, Klaus D. Jöns, Lucas Schweickert +9 more

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Entangled photons are an integral part in quantum optics experiments and a key resource in quantum imaging, quantum communication, and photonic quantum information processing. Making this resource available on-demand has been an ongoing scientific challenge with enormous progress in recent years. Of particular interest is the potential to transmit quantum information over long distances, making photons the only reliable flying qubit. Entangled photons at the telecom C-band could be directly launched into single-mode optical fibers, enabling worldwide quantum communication via existing telecommunication infrastructure. However, the on-demand generation of entangled photons at this desired wavelength window has been elusive. Here, we show a photon pair generation efficiency of 69.9 ± 3.6% in the telecom C-band by an InAs/GaAs semiconductor quantum dot on a metamorphic buffer layer. Using a robust phonon-assisted two-photon excitation scheme we measure a maximum concurrence of 91.4 ± 3.8% and a peak fidelity to the Φ + state of 95.2 ± 1.1%, verifying on-demand generation of strongly entangled photon pairs and marking an important milestone for interfacing quantum light sources with our classical fiber networks.

ACS Photonics•Jul 15, 2021•88 citations

Gigahertz-clocked Generation of Highly Indistinguishable Photons at C-band Wavelengths

Robert Behrends, Lucas Rickert, Nils D. Kewitz +9 more

High-performance single-photon sources at telecom C-band wavelentghs are key building blocks for applications in long-distance quantum communication. Here, we report the generation of highly indistinguishable, single photons at a clock-rate of 2.5 GHz. This is achieved by coherently driving the biexciton transition ($T_1^\mathrm{XX}=64(1)\,$ps) of a semiconductor quantum dot embedded in a microcavity with strong asymmetric Purcell enhancement. Employing pulsed two-photon resonant excitation, strong multiphoton suppression with $g^{(2)}(0) < 4\%$ and high two-photon-interference visibility of $V_\mathrm{raw}> 85\%$ is observed. The observed photon indistinguishability is close to the theoretical limit expected for the photonically engineered radiative cascade and matches values obtained at lower repetition rates. Our results show a substantial advancement towards interference-based quantum information protocols at unprecedented data rates in the telecom C-Band.

cond-mat.mes-hallCross-listedarXiv:2603.26651•Mar 30, 2026•0 citations

A Quantum Light Source for Quantum Information Applications in the Telecom C-Band

Anderson, Matthew

Semiconductor quantum dot (QD) quantum light sources have long been established as suitable candidates for many quantum information applications, due to the on-demand emission of highly pure and highly indistinguishable single and entangled photons. A key factor in the development of this technology is the operation over the standard telecommunication optical fibre network infrastructure, where the minimum absorption wavelength window is centred on the telecom C-band (1530 – 1565 nm). Initial experiments in this work demonstrated single-photon emission of a QD light source emitting directly in the telecom C-band, under both continuous wave (CW) and 1-GHz pulsed excitation regimes. The QDs were further characterised in terms of fine-structure splitting (FSS) and coherence time, in order to determine their suitability for quantum entanglement and interference-based applications. Long coherence times were observed in the majority of the QDs considered, allowing the demonstration of Hong-Ou-Mandel-type two-photon interference of subsequently emitted photons under CW excitation. The post-selected interference visibility was found to be limited by only the detector resolution and single-photon purity. A further demonstration of high-visibility interference under the same limitations was then made using QD photons and dissimilar photons from a laser, forming the basis of a fibre-based quantum relay. Working further towards a quantum relay, polarisation-entangled photon pairs in the telecom C-band were then generated using the radiative cascade of the biexciton, where a record high fidelity to the ©+ Bell state was observed under both CW and 1-GHz pulsed excitation regimes. While an anomalous effect of the FSS was observed in a majority of the studied QDs, a further characterisation of the FSS in terms of the QD polarisation eigenstates confirmed the emission of entangled photon pairs from such an anomalous-splitting QD. Finally, the work of this thesis was combined to demonstrate a proof-of-principle quantum relay using a QD light source in the telecom C-band. The relay was operated first under CW excitation where polarisation encoded laser input qubits were used and high-fidelity quantum teleportation was observed. In an effort to demonstrate a more technologically relevant application, the quantum relay was subsequently operated at 1 GHz in order to demonstrate the teleportation of initially time-bin encoded laser input qubits. A high mean teleportation fidelity was again observed, demonstrating the potential of this telecom C-band QD quantum light source in the future of long-distance quantum information applications.

•Nov 1, 2020•0 citations

Indistinguishable single photons from nanowire quantum dots in the telecom O-band

Mohammed K. Alqedra, Chiao-Tzu Huang, Wen‐Hao Chang +5 more

On-demand single-photon sources operating at telecom wavelengths are crucial for quantum communication and photonic quantum technologies. In this work, we demonstrate high-purity, indistinguishable single-photon generation in the telecom O-band from an InAsP/InP nanowire quantum dot. We measured a single-photon purity of g2(0)=0.006±0.003 under above-band excitation. Furthermore, we characterize two-photon interference via Hong–Ou–Mandel measurements and achieve a photon indistinguishability of 81.1%±3.7% with a temporal postselection of a 300 ps time window and 5.6%±1.5% without temporal postselection. We estimate a first-lens source efficiency of ∼28%. These results highlight the potential of nanowire quantum dots as a promising source of telecom single photons for photonic quantum applications, offering deterministic positioning, efficient photon extraction, and scalable production.

arXiv:2503.12116•Applied Physics Letters•Oct 20, 2025•3 citations
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) enable the generation of single and entangled photons, which are useful for various applications in photonic quantum technologies. Specifically for quantum communication via fiber-optical networks, operation in the telecom C-band centered around 1550 nm is ideal. The direct generation of QD-photons in this spectral range with high quantum-optical quality, however, remained challenging. Here, we demonstrate the coherent on-demand generation of indistinguishable photons in the telecom C-band from single QD devices consisting of InAs/InP QD-mesa structures heterogeneously integrated with a metallic reflector on a silicon wafer. Using pulsed two-photon resonant excitation of the biexciton–exciton radiative cascade, we observe Rabi rotations up to pulse areas of 4π and a high single-photon purity in terms of g (2) (0) = 0.005(1) and 0.015(1) for exciton and biexciton photons, respectively. Applying two independent experimental methods, based on fitting Rabi rotations in the emission intensity and performing photon cross-correlation measurements, we consistently obtain preparation fidelities at the π-pulse exceeding 80%. Finally, performing Hong–Ou–Mandel-type two-photon interference experiments, we obtain a photon-indistinguishability of the full photon wave packet of up to 35(3)%, representing a significant advancement in the photon-indistinguishability of single photons emitted directly in the telecom C-band.
Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) enable the generation of single and entangled photons, useful for various applications in photonic quantum technologies. Specifically for quantum communication via fiber-optical networks, operation in the telecom C-band centered around 1550 \,nm is ideal. The direct generation of QD-photons in this spectral range and with high quantum-optical quality, however, remained challenging. Here, we demonstrate the coherent on-demand generation of indistinguishable photons in the telecom C-band from single QD devices consisting of InAs/InP QD-mesa structures heterogeneously integrated with a metallic reflector on a silicon wafer. Using pulsed two-photon resonant excitation of the biexciton-exciton radiative cascade, we observe Rabi rotations up to pulse areas of 4π4π4π and a high single-photon purity in terms of g(2)(0)=0.005(1)g^{(2)}(0)=0.005(1)g(2)(0)=0.005(1) and 0.015(1)0.015(1)0.015(1) for exciton and biexciton photons, respectively. Applying two independent experimental methods, based on fitting Rabi rotations in the emission intensity and performing photon cross-correlation measurements, we consistently obtain preparation fidelities at the πππ-pulse exceeding 80%\%%. Finally, performing Hong-Ou-Mandel-type two-photon interference experiments we obtain a photon-indistinguishability of the full photon wave packet of up to 35(3)%35(3)\%35(3)%, representing a significant advancement in the photon-indistinguishability of single photons emitted directly in the telecom C-band.
The role of resonant pumping schemes in improving the photon coherence is investigated on InAs/InGaAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) emitting in the telecom C-band. The linewidths of transitions of multiple exemplary quantum dots are determined under above-band pumping and resonance fluorescence (RF) via Fourier-transform spectroscopy and resonance scans, respectively. The average linewidth is reduced from (9.74 ± 3.3) GHz in the above-band excitation to (3.50 ± 0.39) GHz under RF underlining its superior coherence properties. Furthermore, the feasibility of coherent state preparation with a fidelity of (49.2 ± 5.8)% is demonstrated, constituting a first step toward on-demand generation of coherent, single, telecom C-band photons directly emitted by QDs. Finally, two-photon excitation of the biexciton is investigated as a resonant pumping scheme. A deconvoluted single-photon purity value of gHBT(2)(0)=0.072 ± 0.104 and a postselected degree of indistinguishability of VHOM=0.894 ± 0.109 are determined for the biexciton transition. This represents another step in demonstrating the necessary quantum optical properties for prospective applications.
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Entangled photons are an integral part in quantum optics experiments and a key resource in quantum imaging, quantum communication, and photonic quantum information processing. Making this resource available on-demand has been an ongoing scientific challenge with enormous progress in recent years. Of particular interest is the potential to transmit quantum information over long distances, making photons the only reliable flying qubit. Entangled photons at the telecom C-band could be directly launched into single-mode optical fibers, enabling worldwide quantum communication via existing telecommunication infrastructure. However, the on-demand generation of entangled photons at this desired wavelength window has been elusive. Here, we show a photon pair generation efficiency of 69.9 ± 3.6% in the telecom C-band by an InAs/GaAs semiconductor quantum dot on a metamorphic buffer layer. Using a robust phonon-assisted two-photon excitation scheme we measure a maximum concurrence of 91.4 ± 3.8% and a peak fidelity to the Φ + state of 95.2 ± 1.1%, verifying on-demand generation of strongly entangled photon pairs and marking an important milestone for interfacing quantum light sources with our classical fiber networks.
High-performance single-photon sources at telecom C-band wavelentghs are key building blocks for applications in long-distance quantum communication. Here, we report the generation of highly indistinguishable, single photons at a clock-rate of 2.5 GHz. This is achieved by coherently driving the biexciton transition (T1XX=64(1) T_1^\mathrm{XX}=64(1)\,T1XX​=64(1)ps) of a semiconductor quantum dot embedded in a microcavity with strong asymmetric Purcell enhancement. Employing pulsed two-photon resonant excitation, strong multiphoton suppression with g(2)(0)<4%g^{(2)}(0) < 4\%g(2)(0)<4% and high two-photon-interference visibility of Vraw>85%V_\mathrm{raw}> 85\%Vraw​>85% is observed. The observed photon indistinguishability is close to the theoretical limit expected for the photonically engineered radiative cascade and matches values obtained at lower repetition rates. Our results show a substantial advancement towards interference-based quantum information protocols at unprecedented data rates in the telecom C-Band.
Semiconductor quantum dot (QD) quantum light sources have long been established as suitable candidates for many quantum information applications, due to the on-demand emission of highly pure and highly indistinguishable single and entangled photons. A key factor in the development of this technology is the operation over the standard telecommunication optical fibre network infrastructure, where the minimum absorption wavelength window is centred on the telecom C-band (1530 – 1565 nm). Initial experiments in this work demonstrated single-photon emission of a QD light source emitting directly in the telecom C-band, under both continuous wave (CW) and 1-GHz pulsed excitation regimes. The QDs were further characterised in terms of fine-structure splitting (FSS) and coherence time, in order to determine their suitability for quantum entanglement and interference-based applications. Long coherence times were observed in the majority of the QDs considered, allowing the demonstration of Hong-Ou-Mandel-type two-photon interference of subsequently emitted photons under CW excitation. The post-selected interference visibility was found to be limited by only the detector resolution and single-photon purity. A further demonstration of high-visibility interference under the same limitations was then made using QD photons and dissimilar photons from a laser, forming the basis of a fibre-based quantum relay. Working further towards a quantum relay, polarisation-entangled photon pairs in the telecom C-band were then generated using the radiative cascade of the biexciton, where a record high fidelity to the ©+ Bell state was observed under both CW and 1-GHz pulsed excitation regimes. While an anomalous effect of the FSS was observed in a majority of the studied QDs, a further characterisation of the FSS in terms of the QD polarisation eigenstates confirmed the emission of entangled photon pairs from such an anomalous-splitting QD. Finally, the work of this thesis was combined to demonstrate a proof-of-principle quantum relay using a QD light source in the telecom C-band. The relay was operated first under CW excitation where polarisation encoded laser input qubits were used and high-fidelity quantum teleportation was observed. In an effort to demonstrate a more technologically relevant application, the quantum relay was subsequently operated at 1 GHz in order to demonstrate the teleportation of initially time-bin encoded laser input qubits. A high mean teleportation fidelity was again observed, demonstrating the potential of this telecom C-band QD quantum light source in the future of long-distance quantum information applications.
On-demand single-photon sources operating at telecom wavelengths are crucial for quantum communication and photonic quantum technologies. In this work, we demonstrate high-purity, indistinguishable single-photon generation in the telecom O-band from an InAsP/InP nanowire quantum dot. We measured a single-photon purity of g2(0)=0.006±0.003 under above-band excitation. Furthermore, we characterize two-photon interference via Hong–Ou–Mandel measurements and achieve a photon indistinguishability of 81.1%±3.7% with a temporal postselection of a 300 ps time window and 5.6%±1.5% without temporal postselection. We estimate a first-lens source efficiency of ∼28%. These results highlight the potential of nanowire quantum dots as a promising source of telecom single photons for photonic quantum applications, offering deterministic positioning, efficient photon extraction, and scalable production.