Photostable Molecules on Chip: Integrated Sources of Nonclassical Light

Abstract

The on-chip integration of quantum light sources and nonlinear elements constitutes a major step toward scalable photon-based quantum information processing and communication. In this work we demonstrate the potential of a hybrid technology that combines organic-molecule-based quantum emitters and dielectric chips consisting of ridge waveguides and grating far-field couplers. In particular, dibenzoterrylene molecules in thin anthracene crystals are used as single-photon sources, exhibiting long-term photostability, easy fabrication methods, almost unitary quantum yield, and lifetime-limited emission at cryogenic temperatures. We couple such single emitters to silicon nitride ridge waveguides, showing a coupling efficiency of up to 42 ± 2% over both propagation directions. Our results open a novel path toward a fully integrated and scalable photon-processing platform.

Efficient excitation of dye molecules for single photon generation

“…Further, there is a background-about 10% of the peak molecule count rate found from a region of anthracene with no molecule present in a confocal scan-that generates some accidental coincidences. After correcting for that [33], we conclude that N 1.02 4 eff = ( ) and hence that we are indeed looking at a single molecule.…”

“…Pure DBT appears green as it absorbs both blue and red light, but it is the red absorption from 700-800nm, that is of interest here. Anthracene makes an excellent host because it is transparent at 700-800nm, and all its electronically excited levels lie above the S 1 levels of DBT, making it impossible for the DBT to exchange electronic excitation with its host [26,[30][31][32][33]. Moreover, DBT is highly photostable at room temperature when it is embedded in a crystal of anthracene [34,35].…”

Label‐Free Optical Single‐Molecule Micro‐ and Nanosensors

“…J) Coincidence measurement of coupled nonclassical light showing the antibunching dip relative to the confocal spot (i) and to the coupler area (ii). Reproduced with permission . Copyright 2017, American Chemical Society.…”

Coherent coupling of single molecules to on-chip ring resonators

“…Theoretically, a photon can be reflected with unity probability from a dipolar two-level emitter if its spatial mode is matched to that of the emitter's radiation pattern [4]. Indeed, substantial coupling efficiencies have been reported using various configurations such as near-field coupling [5], free-space focusing [6,7] and coupling to subwavelength waveguides (nanoguides) [8][9][10][11]. However, solid-state emitters confront a fundamental limitation in these endeavors because of their complex transition pathways and the influence of phonons.…”