Single Photon Emission System with Integrated Dichroic Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single photon emission systems are not compact and do not achieve high efficiency in emitting single photons, as they require external devices like beam splitters to separate pump and photon radiation paths.
Innovation Solution
A single photon emission system is designed with a predefined direction for guiding optical pump radiation and emitted photons, allowing for separate optimization of pump and photon paths, and utilizing refractive index gradients and filters to direct photons efficiently to the distal end without the need for external beam splitters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external beam splitters are used to separate pump radiation from single photons, then the separation of radiation paths is achieved, but the system size increases and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beam splitter function with the lens structure by integrating a dichroic coating directly onto the lens surface. This allows the lens to simultaneously focus pump radiation onto the emitter and separate the emitted single photons from the pump beam, eliminating the need for external beam splitters and reducing system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens is designed to perform multiple functions: focusing pump radiation onto the single photon emitter, separating the emitted photons from the pump beam using dichroic coating, and directing both beams to their respective paths. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external beam splitting devices.
2Ease of operation
If beam splitters and external devices are used for path separation, then radiation path separation is achieved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the beam splitter functionality with the existing lens component through dichroic coating. This integration reduces the total number of components by eliminating external beam splitters and their mounting structures, while maintaining effective radiation path separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens system is designed to perform multiple functions including focusing, beam separation, and directional control within a single integrated component structure, thereby reducing the overall component count and system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If photons are emitted in all directions, then the emission process is simple, but the efficiency of directing photons to the output is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dichroic coating with specific optical properties to particular regions of the lens surface. This coating selectively transmits single photons while reflecting pump radiation, creating directionally optimized paths that enhance photon extraction efficiency without complicating the overall emission process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the lens surface through dichroic coating, which modifies the refractive and reflective properties in specific wavelength ranges. This allows efficient separation and direction of single photons from the pump beam based on wavelength differences.
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 design results in a more compact system with high efficiency in single photon emission, as the majority of photons are directed to the distal end, reducing the need for external devices and optimizing both pump and photon radiation paths.
Implementation Method 1
A pump source generates optical pump radiation which is directed to a single photon emitter by a microscope objective. The optical pump radiation optically excites the single photon emitter to emit single photons
Implementation Method 2
A beam splitter is used to separate the back-travelling single photons from the optical pump radiation
Implementation Method 3
a section where the refractive index increases along the predefined direction. If the single photon emitter is positioned in this section, the majority of photons will be emitted along the predefined direction and reach the distal end
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the invention relates to a single photon emission system having a proximal end, a distal end, and a single photon emitter located between the proximal end and the distal end; wherein the single photon emission system is adapted to guide optical pump radiation, which is inputted at the proximal end to optically excite the single photon emitter, along a predefined direction that runs from the proximal end to the distal end; and wherein single photons emitted by said single photon emitter, are guided along said predefined direction to the distal end.