Nanowire Laser Waveguide Coupling for Photon Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating and capturing single photons for quantum computing are inefficient, as they require complex lenses and photo-detectors, and struggle to accurately position and transport photons due to the small size and unpredictable emission direction of nanowire lasers.
Innovation Solution
A method for coupling a single photon to a waveguide using a nanowire laser embedded in a substrate, with precise positioning and alignment techniques, such as anti-reflection coatings, two-dimensional photonic crystals, and evanescent mode coupling, to enhance capture and transport efficiency without the need for independent lenses or photo-detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If complex lenses and photo-detectors are used to generate and capture single photons, then the capture efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex lens and photo-detector components from the traditional photon generation system. By using a nanowire laser with direct waveguide coupling, the system removes unnecessary intermediate components while maintaining high capture efficiency through evanescent mode coupling between the nanowire laser and the waveguide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the photon generation function (nanowire laser) directly with the photon transport function (waveguide) by embedding the nanowire laser within the waveguide structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate coupling components and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining efficient photon capture.
2Volume of moving object
If nanowire lasers are used to generate single photons, then the device size is reduced, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to unpredictable emission direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional free-space photon emission to two-dimensional waveguide mode coupling. By confining the photon emission within the waveguide structure and utilizing evanescent mode coupling, the system maintains small device size while achieving precise positioning through the guided mode propagation direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the waveguide mode as an intermediary between the nanowire laser and the external photon transport system. The evanescent mode of the waveguide acts as a mediator that captures photons from the nanowire laser and guides them with precise directional control, resolving the positioning uncertainty issue.
3Loss of energy
If anti-reflection coatings and photonic crystals are used to enhance photon capture, then the photon loss is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the optical parameters of the waveguide structure by incorporating photonic crystals with specific periodic patterns and anti-reflection coatings with optimized thickness and refractive index. These parameter changes enhance photon capture efficiency through improved mode matching and reduced reflection losses while maintaining manufacturability through standard fabrication techniques.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Improves the probability of capturing and transporting single photons by maintaining precise mechanical positioning and mode-matching, reducing photon loss and enabling efficient use in quantum computation.
Implementation Method 1
a single photon generated by the single photon generator is coupled to the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
evanescent mode coupling, to enhance capture and transport efficiency
Implementation Method 3
anti-reflection coatings, to enhance capture and transport efficiency
Implementation Method 4
two-dimensional photonic crystals, and evanescent mode coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprising a single photon generator and a waveguide, wherein a single photon generated by the single photon generator is coupled to the waveguide.