There are already many types of quantum light emitters, and it is considered that more will be discovered. These light sources have the potential to revolutionize many areas of technology. NPL can help by offering characterization at certain wavelengths and temperatures.
Quantum light sources are of interest because they emit photons in well-defined quantum states. There are a variety of applications for these sources, such as quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing. Understanding the characteristics of solid-state quantum light emitters is crucial to predicting their performance in future technological applications.
The teams at NPL can offer supportive tests for people interested in a number of quantum light sources.
Quantum Dots
Quantum dots are semiconductor nanostructures capable of confining electrons and holes. When an electron and a hole recombine, they emit a photon whose wavelength depends on the quantum dot size. The high flux of indistinguishable single photons emitted from quantum dots makes them promising candidates for applications in quantum cryptography and quantum computing.
Colours centres and NV Diamond
Colour centres are defects in crystals that can emit single photons. They are formed when an atom or molecule is missing from the crystal lattice, or when there is a vacancy in the lattice. The trapped electron in the colour centre can decay to a lower energy state, emitting a single photon with a wavelength that is characteristic of the colour centre and the crystal it is in.
Colour centres are of interest for quantum information applications because they are stable and can be easily integrated into optical devices. They can emit single photons, which are essential for quantum communication and computing. Colour centres can also be used to store quantum information.
NV centres are defects in diamond that are particularly promising for quantum information applications. They are very bright and can be easily manipulated, making them ideal for quantum experiments. NV centres have been used to create quantum memories, quantum sensors, and quantum logic gates.
How NPL can help
Our aim is to enhance the reliability of the characterization of quantum light emitters. NPLs work is of interest to those involved in the development of novel quantum photonic devices.
At NPL, quantum light sources can be characterised from cryogenic (4 K) up to room temperature at wavelengths ranging from the visible to telecom C-band. We can provide:
- Traceable photon flux measurements – the capability to link single-photon detectors’ response to a traceably measured number of incident photons.
- Photoluminescence map – spatial raster scan while measuring the flux of photoluminescence.
- Correlation measurements – second and third order correlation functions, g(2)(τ) and g(3)(τx τy).
Are you interested in learning more about our quantum capabilities?
Contact a member of NPL's quantum team today to schedule a consultation. We can discuss your specific needs and how our quantum technologies can help you achieve your goals.
Contact a quantum expert