Nonlinear down-conversion in a single quantum dot

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a laser-controlled down-conversion process in a quantum three-level system, enabling tunable and potentially customizable single photon emission for quantum technologies.

Contribution

It introduces an emitter-independent method for controlling single photon properties using a virtual state in a quantum three-level system, advancing scalable quantum light sources.

Findings

Energy-tunable single photon emission achieved

Control laser defines a virtual state for emission

Potential for polarization and bandwidth control

Abstract

Photonic quantum technologies$^1$, with applications in quantum communication, sensing as well as quantum simulation and computing, are on the verge of becoming commercially available. One crucial building block are tailored nanoscale integratable quantum light sources, matching the specific needs of use-cases. Several different approaches to realize solid-state quantum emitters$^2$ with high performance$^3$ have been pursued. However, the properties of the emitted single photons are always defined by the individual quantum light source and despite numerous quantum emitter tuning techniques$^{4-7}$, scalability is still a major challenge. Here we show an emitter-independent method to tailor and control the properties of the single photon emission. We demonstrate a laser-controlled down-conversion process from an excited state of a quantum three-level system$^8$. Starting from a biexciton state, a tunable control laser field defines a virtual state in a stimulated process. From there, spontaneous emission to the ground state leads to optically controlled single photon emission. Based on this concept, we demonstrate energy tuning of the single photon emission with a control laser field. The nature of the involved quantum states furthermore provides a unique basis for the future control of polarization and bandwidth, as predicted by theory$^{9,10}$. Our demonstration marks an important step towards tailored single photon emission from a photonic quantum system based on quantum optical principles.