Single-Photon Emitter Retains High Purity at High Temperature

Scientists at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have developed a single-photon emitter capable of room temperature operation. The technology is based on quantum dots grown on cost-effective silicon substrates. Developing nonclassical light sources that can emit exactly one photon on demand is one of the main requirements of quantum technologies. While the first demonstration of single-photon emitters dates back to the 1970s, their low reliability and efficiency has stood in the way of practical use. The researchers at EPFL, led by professor of physics Nicolas Grandjean, said they have developed “bright and pure” single-photon emitters based on wide bandgap semiconductor quantum...