Organic molecules as single-photon sources

TL;DR

This paper reviews the progress and potential of using organic molecules, specifically polycyclic hydrocarbons, as stable, high-rate single-photon sources for quantum technologies.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of organic molecule-based single-photon sources, including their properties, preparation, light extraction, and future challenges.

Findings

Polycyclic hydrocarbons exhibit negligible dephasing at cryogenic temperatures.

Organic molecules demonstrate high photon emission rates and photostability.

Strategies for efficient light extraction from organic single-photon sources are discussed.

Abstract

The development of single-photon sources has been nothing but rapid in recent years, with quantum emitter-based systems showing especially impressive progress. In this article, we give an overview of the developments in single-photon sources based on single molecules. We will introduce polycyclic hydrocarbons as the most commonly used emitter systems for the realization of an organic solid-state single-photon source. At cryogenic temperatures this special class of fluorescent molecules demonstrates remarkable optical properties such as negligible dephasing, indefinite photostability, and high photon rates, which make them attractive as fundamental building blocks in emerging quantum technologies. To better understand the general properties and limitations of these molecules, we discuss sample preparation and relevant emitter parameters such as absorption and emission spectra, lifetime, and dephasing. We will also give an overview of light extraction strategies as a crucial part of a single-photon source. Finally, we conclude with a look into the future, displaying current challenges and possible solutions.