A nanomembrane-based wavelength-tunable high-speed single-photon-emitting diode

Nano Lett. 2013;13(12):5808-13. doi: 10.1021/nl402307q. Epub 2013 Nov 8.

Abstract

We demonstrate an all-electrically operated wavelength-tunable on demand single-photon source for the first time. The device consists of a light-emitting diode in the form of a semiconductor nanomembrane containing self-assembled quantum dots integrated onto a piezoelectric crystal. Triggered single photons are generated via injection of ultrashort electrical pulses into the diode, while their energy can be precisely tuned over a broad range by varying the voltage applied to the piezoelectric crystal. High speed operation of this single-photon-emitting diode up to 0.8 GHz is demonstrated. These results represent an important step toward the realization of electrically driven sources of indistinguishable photons on demand.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Light
  • Nanotechnology*
  • Optics and Photonics*
  • Quantum Dots*
  • Semiconductors