Device for Generating Individual Photons

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention provides a device for reliably generating individual photons (single-photon source) using an array of quantum emitters—such as atoms, ions, quantum dots, or crystal defects—arranged along the path of a light beam. By precisely controlling the number of emitters and their arrangement, the device uses quantum interference to suppress the transmission of photon pairs, allowing only single photons to pass. This enables high-rate, high-quality single-photon output with simpler, more robust construction compared to previous technologies.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Quantum cryptography and secure quantum key distribution systems.
• Quantum computing architectures that require single or indistinguishable photons as qubits.
• Single-photon detection and measurement systems in research and metrology.
• Low-light level imaging systems and quantum-enhanced microscopy.
• Integration into photonic circuits for quantum information processing on chips.
• Fundamental quantum optics experiments needing reliable single-photon streams.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Produces true single-photon output with extremely low probability of multiple photons per pulse, enhancing security and reliability in quantum communication.
• Enables high photon emission rates, overcoming the efficiency and complexity limitations of previous single-emitter sources.
• Simple and robust design suitable for scalable production and integration (e.g., on-chip photonic devices).
• Customizable operational wavelength by choosing different quantum emitters, and adjustable photon energy via external fields.
• Works with various quantum emitter types (atoms, molecules, quantum dots, defects), increasing applicability and flexibility.
• Not limited to visible spectrum—operates across a broad electromagnetic range (from terahertz to X-rays).
• Low sensitivity to imperfections or fluctuations in the number of emitters, allowing for practical, industrial-scale use.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for generating individual photons (2) with energy E, comprising a plurality of quantum emitters (3), having at least one determined transition with the energy E from an energy level N* to a lower energy level N1, wherein the quantum emitters are arranged in the region of a propagation path (4) running from a first region (19) to a second region (20), said device also comprising at least one light source (5) for the output of light (6), for propagation along the propagation path, wherein the light has the energy E for the resonant excitation of the energy level N*, wherein the quantum emitters are arranged in such a way that optionally exactly Z quantum emitters are illuminated, forming an optical thickness τ > 0 for the light along the propagation path, wherein the number Z lies in a range of Z0 ± 10% and wherein Z0 is a number at which there is a maximum destructive interference in the second region between a two-photon component of the light scattered on said Z0 quantum emitters and a two-photon component of the light that is not scattered.