CNST Researchers Efficiently Extract Photons from Single Semiconductor Quantum Dots Directly into an Optical Fiber | NIST

Researchers from NIST and other institutions have developed a new method to efficiently extract photons from single semiconductor quantum dots and directly into an optical fiber. This breakthrough could significantly improve the performance of quantum information processing and communications systems.

The key innovation is using a suspended GaAs channel waveguide to embed the quantum dots. This allows a larger fraction of the emitted light to be captured by an optical fiber taper waveguide, rather than being lost through total internal reflection. The directional coupler design enables efficient power transfer between the waveguides, resulting in a 6% collection efficiency.

This new technique is compatible with standard single mode optical fibers used in lightwave systems, making it well-suited for integration into existing quantum technologies. Future improvements could further boost collection efficiency by an additional factor of 5 with precise quantum dot positioning.

Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2011/11/cnst-researchers-efficiently-extract-photons-single-semiconductor-quantum

Keywords: Photon, Quantum, Emission, Fiber, Waveguide

Relevance to Rolling Plan