Single-photon Source

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

This patent describes a single-photon source that uses a quantum dot inside an optical cavity equipped with mirrors. A piezoelectric crystal, mechanically coupled to the cavity, can be electrically controlled to apply precise strains. This strain shifts the resonance frequency of the cavity and the emission frequency of the quantum dot in opposite directions, allowing their frequencies to be matched accurately after fabrication and during operation, compensating for temperature or other variations. This setup enables more reliable and efficient generation of single photons, which are crucial for applications like quantum cryptography.

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

• Quantum cryptography systems, providing secure data communication channels
• Quantum computing as deterministic sources of single photons for logic or memory operations
• Advanced photonic circuits or networks for on-demand single-photon emission
• Quantum sensing and precision measurement techniques relying on single-photon detection
• Use in quantum random number generators utilizing single-photon emission events
• Integration into scalable and tunable quantum light sources for scientific research

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Allows post-fabrication tuning of photon emission, increasing manufacturing yield and reducing waste
• Enables higher quality factor (Q-factor) cavities for better photon emission control and efficiency
• Provides compensation for temperature drift and other environmental changes, ensuring stable operation
• Enables precise matching of quantum dot emission and cavity resonance, increasing the efficiency and purity of single-photon generation
• Facilitates reliable and reproducible production of single-photon sources, key for real-world quantum applications
• Reduces the limitations imposed by fabrication tolerances, making single-photon sources more accessible for industry adoption

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

An embodiment of the invention relates to single-photon source for emitting single photons, comprising a cavity having a first mirror and a second mirror and exhibiting a longitudinal resonance frequency between the first and second mirror; at least one quantum dot arranged inside said cavity, said quantum dot being strain-dependent and configured to generate radiation at a strain-dependent radiation frequency; a device capable of exciting the quantum dot to generate radiation;a piezoelectric crystal being arranged outside the cavity and mechanically coupled to the second mirror's outer surface, said piezoelectric crystal configured to receive a control voltage and capable of applying either a laterally tensile and vertically compressive strain to both the cavity and the quantum dot, or a laterally compressive and vertically tensile strain to both the cavity and the quantum dot, depending on the control voltage's polarity;wherein, in response to said strain, the resonance frequency and the radiation frequency shift in opposite directions.