Multi-channel waveguide-integrated single photon sources

Nenbangkaeo, Chaiyasit; Eich, Alexander; Spiekermann, Tobias; Schuck, Carsten

Abstract

Integrated quantum photonic technology requires large numbers of single quantum emitters. While single-emitter systems have successfully been embedded into nanophotonic waveguides [1], the integration of larger numbers of single-photon sources into complex photonic circuits has remained a challenge. Here we show a novel approach that allows for simultaneously coupling single-photons from several independent colloidal quantum dots into tantalum pentoxide waveguides (Ta2O5). We employ a lithographic technique that probabilistically inserts quantum dots into a waveguide array and then deterministically remove multi-emitter systems until only a single-emitter per waveguide channel remains, thus achieving high-yield integration of single-photon sources across multiple nanophotonic channels. We demonstrate the feasibility of our method with autocorrelation measurements, showing anti-bunching of quantum dot photoluminescence for each individual channel. Our work paves the way for deterministically equipping photonic integrated circuits with large numbers of single-photon sources benefitting a wide range of applications in quantum technology.