Integrated Diamond Optics for Single Photon Detection

TL;DR

This paper presents a simple, practical method using a diamond solid immersion lens to significantly enhance the excitation and detection efficiency of single photon emitters in solid-state quantum technologies.

Contribution

The authors experimentally demonstrate a novel approach with off-the-shelf optical components to improve single photon detection in diamond defect centers.

Findings

Enhanced excitation and detection efficiency by an order of magnitude

Use of a diamond solid immersion lens is effective and practical

The approach aligns with theoretical predictions

Abstract

Optical detection of single defect centers in the solid state is a key element of novel quantum technologies. This includes the generation of single photons and quantum information processing. Unfortunately the brightness of such atomic emitters is limited. Therefore we experimentally demonstrate a novel and simple approach that uses off-the-shelf optical elements. The key component is a solid immersion lens made of diamond, the host material for single color centers. We improve the excitation and detection of single emitters by one order of magnitude, as predicted by theory.