Quantum Dot Single-Photon Resonator With Low-Absorption Contact Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VCSELs face inefficiencies in generating single photons due to impurity ions in contact layers absorbing photons, necessitating higher resistance and reduced photon extraction efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A single photon source device with a resonator structure that includes a quantum dot, where electrons and holes are injected through contact layers without reflecting mirrors, using oxide confinement layers and oxide lens layers to guide photons efficiently, thereby avoiding impurity ion absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact layers are doped with impurity ions to lower resistance, then electrical conductivity is improved, but photon absorption increases and photon extraction efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional regions: a resonator region for photon generation and an electrode region for electron injection. The contact layer is positioned only in the electrode region, separating the electrical conduction function from the optical emission function. This segmentation allows the contact layer to be doped for low resistance without interfering with photon extraction from the resonator region.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact layer is extracted from the photon emission path. By positioning the contact layer between the electrode and the resonator rather than between the resonator and the external environment, the patent removes the source of photon absorption from the optical path, eliminating the trade-off between electrical conductivity and photon extraction efficiency.
2Reliability
If reflecting mirrors are doped with impurity ions to enable electron and hole injection, then electrical conductivity is improved, but photon absorption by impurity ions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device structure separates electron injection functionality from photon emission functionality. Electron and hole injection is achieved through dedicated contact layers connected to electrodes, while the resonator mirrors remain undoped and dedicated solely to optical reflection. This segmentation eliminates photon absorption by impurity ions in the mirrors while maintaining electrical conductivity through the contact layers.
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 device efficiently emits single photons by minimizing photon absorption and loss, enabling precise wavelength control and pinpoint injection of electrons and holes into the quantum dot for enhanced photon generation.
Implementation Method 1
The resonator includes a stacked structure including a quantum dot that generates a photon corresponding to an electron and a hole injected
Implementation Method 2
using oxide confinement layers and oxide lens layers to guide photons efficiently
Implementation Method 3
using oxide confinement layers and oxide lens layers to guide photons efficiently
Data Source
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AI summary
A single photon source device includes a first reflecting mirror, a second reflecting mirror, and a resonator disposed between the first reflecting mirror and the second reflecting mirror. The resonator includes a stacked structure including a quantum dot that generates a photon corresponding to an electron and a hole injected, an electrode from which an electron or a hole is injected into the quantum dot, and a contact layer provided between the stacked structure and the electrode.