Abstract

Historically non-classical sources of single photons have been used to test quantum mechanics and to develop the field of quantum optics. Nowadays the single photon source has become a critical device for quantum communications and optical quantum information processing [1]. A single photon source emits one photon at a time, and its quality can be evaluated by three parameters: quantum efficiency, multi-photon probability, and photon distinguishability. Among the different types single photon sources, InGaAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) are a promising solid state candidate showing high quantum efficiency, no bleaching effect, long-term stability, capable of high repetition rate, and compatible with standard semiconductor processing techniques. Furthermore, QDs can be embedded in micro-cavities or photonic crystal nano-cavities by in situ growth, and thus cavity quantum electrodynamics (CQED) can be exploited to improve the performance of QD-based single photon sources in all aspects mentioned above [2].

© 2007 IEEE