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Semiconductor quantum light sources

Nature Photonics volume 1, pages 215–223 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

Lasers and LEDs have a statistical distribution in the number of photons emitted within a given time interval. Applications exploiting the quantum properties of light require sources for which either individual photons, or pairs, are generated in a regulated stream. Here we review recent research on single-photon sources based on the emission of a single semiconductor quantum dot. In just a few years remarkable progress has been made in generating indistinguishable single photons and entangled-photon pairs using such structures. This suggests that it may be possible to realize compact, robust, LED-like semiconductor devices for quantum light generation.

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Figure 1: Self-assembled quantum dots.
Figure 2: Optical spectrum of a quantum dot.
Figure 3: Scanning-electron-microscope images of semiconductor cavities.
Figure 4: Two-photon interference.
Figure 5: Electrically driven single-photon emission.
Figure 6: Generation of entangled photons by a quantum dot.

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Mark Stevenson, Robert Young, Anthony Bennett and Martin Ward for their comments during the preparation of the manuscript and the UK Department of Trade and Industry 'Optical Systems for Digital Age', Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and European Commission Future and Emerging Technologies arm of the 1st programme for supporting research on quantum light sources.

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    Andrew J. Shields

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Shields, A. Semiconductor quantum light sources. Nature Photon 1, 215–223 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/nphoton.2007.46

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