Photonic Crystal Single-Photon Source With Localized Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for lower-cost, simplified integrated optical circuits for quantum optics applications, particularly in quantum cryptography and computing, where current devices are complex and costly to produce.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical device featuring a photonic crystal structure with a quantum emitter in a defect region, where carrier injection excites photons, and a localized electrical contact for efficient carrier injection, enabling in-plane single-photon emission and entangled photon pairs generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional integrated optical circuits are used for quantum optics applications, then photon generation, manipulation and detection can be achieved, but the devices are complex and costly to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional sections (photon generation, manipulation, and detection) into a single integrated optical circuit on one chip. The photonic crystal structure integrates the quantum emitter and waveguide components, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical circuit is divided into distinct functional sections (generation section, manipulation section, detection section) that are integrated on a single chip. This segmentation allows for optimized design of each function while maintaining overall integration, reducing manufacturing costs through standardized fabrication processes.
2Productivity
If a photonic crystal structure with quantum emitter is used, then single-photon emission efficiency is improved, but fabrication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the photonic bandgap effect by carefully selecting the refractive indices and geometric parameters of the photonic crystal structure. By changing structural parameters (hole size, spacing, pattern) rather than material composition, the design achieves high emission efficiency while remaining compatible with standard semiconductor fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The photonic crystal structure employs a periodic lattice pattern that can be fabricated using standard lithography and etching processes. The repeating unit cell design allows for straightforward replication across the chip, simplifying fabrication while achieving the desired optical properties for enhanced photon emission.
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
This approach results in efficient, cost-effective integrated optical circuits capable of generating single and entangled photons, with improved emission efficiency and reduced current loss, suitable for quantum optics applications.
Implementation Method 1
a photonic crystal structure, comprising: a layer of a first material, the layer comprising a quantum emitter; and a plurality of regions of a second material in the layer of the first material, the regions arranged in a regular lattice
Implementation Method 2
wherein the quantum emitter is located in the defect part of the photonic crystal structure; wherein the second material has a different refractive index to the first material. An electrode is electrically contacted to only the defect part of the photonic crystal structure
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device comprising: a photonic crystal structure, comprising: a layer of a first material, the layer comprising a quantum emitter; and a plurality of regions of a second material in the layer of the first material, the regions arranged in a regular lattice having at least one region missing from the lattice so that a defect is formed, wherein the quantum emitter is located in the defect part of the photonic crystal structure; wherein the second material has a different refractive index to the first material; and an electrode which is electrically contacted to only the defect part of the photonic crystal structure.