Efficient collection of photons from solid-state single-photon emitters, like quantum dots, molecules, or defect centers in diamond, is a very demanding task. Here, we introduce parabolic micro-antennas fabricated by two-photon direct laser-writing to enhance the collection efficiency by directing emitted light into a small solid angle. The antennas can be fabricated on-site at the position of a pre-selected single-photon emitter.
We introduce and analyze a design concept based on nonspherical solid immersion lens (SIL) geometry. We find via finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations that elliptical solid immersion lenses (eSILs) exhibit a notably improved emission directionality compared to the standard SIL design. Large light-collection efficiencies are achieved even for small numerical apertures (NAs). For example, using a NA as low as 0.3, over 65% of the total light emitted by a dipole can be collected.
Single-photon sources based on solid-state emitters, like quantum dots, molecules or defect centers in diamond, are one of the key components for an integrated quantum technology. Here, we will show different strategies used in order to integrate single-photon emitters. Among others, we introduce an hybrid approach using photon emission from defect centers in diamond and laser-written photonic structures. Waveguides, microresonators, and optical antennas can be fabricated and oriented with respect to the single emitters. We describe our general approach before we specifically address the problem of efficient single-photon collection through optical antennas. We discuss the limitations of the method, its potential for scalability as well as its extension towards optical sensing applications.
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