A recent study in Advanced Optical Materials introduces a hybrid electroluminescence device capable of generating single photons on demand at room temperature. This development addresses a fundamental challenge in quantum photonics: creating reliable and scalable single-photon sources for emerging quantum technologies.
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Advancements in Single-Photon Emission Technology
Single-photon emitters (SPEs) are crucial for quantum computing, secure communication, and advanced sensing. Traditional SPEs, such as quantum dots (QDs), are commercially viable but require low temperatures to operate.
Recent breakthroughs in layered semiconductors, like hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), provide promising alternatives with high light extraction efficiency and tunable electro-optical properties. Advances in processing techniques have improved the precision of SPE fabrication, enhancing scalability.
Hybrid Electroluminescence Device for Single-Photon Emission
This study presents a hybrid device that integrates hBN nanocrystals with GaN/InGaN laser diodes for efficient room-temperature single-photon emission. Using a bottom-to-top excitation scheme, the device directly excites hBN nanocrystals on laser facets, eliminating the need for external lasers and simplifying fabrication.
To enhance efficiency and reduce noise, the researchers incorporated Bragg reflectors into the laser diodes and tested both continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed excitation. Optimized performance was achieved by depositing hBN nanocrystals on PDMS films, which were then stamped onto the laser substrate to isolate single-photon emission sites.
Impacts of the Novel Hybrid Device
The hybrid device demonstrated efficient single-photon emission at rates of 7 MHz for bare hBN and 44 MHz for cavity-enhanced structures. The emitted photons showed high purity, with a g(2)(0) value of 0.3, confirming strong antibunching—an essential feature of single-photon sources. A band-stop filter improved signal clarity by reducing noise.
Compared to TMDs, the device required lower optical power density for excitation, underscoring the advantages of using a GaN/InGaN laser diode. It successfully produced on-demand photons without external laser excitation, marking significant progress in quantum applications. g(2) autocorrelation measurements consistently showed values below 0.5, confirming the high purity of single-photon emissions.
The hBN nanocrystals emitted narrow spectral lines in the 600–800 nm range, making them compatible with existing semiconductor technologies. The deposition technique effectively isolated single-photon-emitting sites, while bandpass filtering improved the signal-to-noise ratio by isolating the photon emission signal from broader spontaneous emissions. Nanosecond electrical pulses efficiently triggered photon generation, making the device ideal for quantum computing and secure communication.
Delivering 100 mW of optical power at room temperature, the laser diode provides a compact and reliable solution for next-generation quantum technologies.
Potential Applications in Quantum Technologies
This research has significant implications for quantum communication, computing, and cryptography. The ability to generate single photons on demand at room temperature could enhance secure data transmission through quantum key distribution. In quantum computing, single-photon sources facilitate qubit manipulation and entanglement, while integration into photonic circuits could improve quantum sensors and imaging.
One key advantage of this hybrid device is its scalability and compatibility with existing semiconductor technologies, making commercial adoption more feasible. Further refinements in emitter positioning, annealing treatments, and fabrication methods could enhance emission rates and purity, which is crucial for real-world applications.
As quantum technology advances, the demand for reliable single-photon sources continues to grow. This research contributes to making practical quantum applications a reality.
Journal Reference
Rodek, A., et al. (2025). Hybrid Electroluminescence Device for On-Demand Single Photon Generation at Room Temperature. Advanced Optical Materials. DOI: 10.1002/adom.202401879, https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adom.202401879
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