Integrated Room Temperature Single Photon Source for Quantum Key Distribution

TL;DR

This paper reports a highly efficient, room-temperature solid-state single photon source based on defect centers in hBN, integrated with a lens to enhance photon emission, suitable for quantum key distribution.

Contribution

The work demonstrates an integrated, ultra-bright single photon source operating at room temperature with significantly increased efficiency due to SIL integration.

Findings

Produced over ten million single photons per second.

Achieved sixfold increase in source efficiency with SIL.

Operates effectively at room temperature.

Abstract

High-purity single photon sources (SPS) that can operate at room temperature are highly desirable for a myriad of applications, including quantum photonics and quantum key distribution. In this work, we realise an ultra-bright solid-state SPS based on an atomic defect in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) integrated with a solid immersion lens (SIL). The SIL increases the source efficiency by a factor of six, and the integrated system is capable of producing over ten million single photons per second at room temperature. Our results are promising for practical applications of SPS in quantum communication protocols.