Photonic Integrated Circuit Single Photon Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single photon sources face challenges such as repeatability issues due to photon number fluctuations, operational requirements at cryogenic temperatures, and low collection efficiency, which hinder their application in quantum information technologies and other sensitive measurements.
Innovation Solution
A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) approach using ring resonators for on-demand single photon emission, integrating non-classical light sources with optical gates and detectors, employing heralding and dynamic photon storage to generate and control single photons efficiently at room temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If attenuated coherent light is used as a single photon source, then single photons can be emitted by tuning the mean photon number, but fluctuations about the mean photon number impair the repeatability of the source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a heralding mechanism where detection of an idler photon provides feedback information that a signal photon has been generated. This feedback system allows the system to know when a single photon is available, eliminating the statistical fluctuations inherent in attenuated coherent light sources and ensuring repeatable single photon delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary storage resonator that decouples the photon generation process from the photon delivery process. The storage resonator holds the generated photon until needed, allowing precise control over when the photon is emitted. This intermediary system eliminates the timing and number fluctuations present in direct attenuated laser sources.
2Reliability
If single quantum dots or trapped atoms are used as single-photon emitters, then single photons can be emitted, but these sources operate at cryogenic temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for cryogenic cooling systems with an all-optical system based on photonic integrated circuits. The nonlinear optical processes and resonant cavities operate efficiently at room temperature, substituting the mechanical cryogenic cooling infrastructure with optical field-based photon generation and storage mechanisms.
3Reliability
If diamond-based color centers are used to emit single photons, then single photons can be generated, but the collection efficiency is generally very low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the photon generation process with high-efficiency photonic integration. By combining the nonlinear optical generation process with resonant cavities and waveguide structures on a single photonic integrated circuit, the system achieves both reliable single photon generation and high collection efficiency through optimized optical coupling and confinement.
Solution Approach 2:
The photonic integrated circuit serves multiple functions: generating photons via nonlinear optical processes, storing photons in resonant cavities, routing photons through waveguides, and coupling photons to output fibers. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate collection optics and maximizes overall system efficiency.
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
The PIC-based single photon source achieves high efficiency, determinism, and robustness, enabling on-demand single photon emission with improved mechanical stability and controllability, suitable for quantum key distribution and quantum computation.
Implementation Method 1
a storage resonator to receive pump photons from a photon source at a pump frequency ωP and to generate a signal photon at a signal frequency ωs and an idler photon at an idler frequency ωi from the pump photons
Data Source
AI summary
A photon source to deliver single photons includes a storage ring resonator to receive pump photons and generate a signal photon and an idler photon. An idler resonator is coupled to the storage resonator to couple the idler photon out of the storage resonator and into a detector. Detection of the idler photon stops the pump photons from entering the storage resonator. A signal resonator is coupled to the storage resonator to couple out the signal photon remaining in the storage resonator and delivers the signal photon to applications. The photon source can be fabricated into a photonic integrated circuit to achieve high compactness, reliability, and controllability.