Researchers at the US Naval Research Laboratory have developed a new method for controlling quantum emitters, paving the way for significant advances in secure communications, metrology, sensing, and quantum information processing.
Quantum photonics, which uses quantum optics to generate, manipulate, and detect light, relies on these emitters, also known as single-photon sources. The NRL team, led by Dr. Berend Jonker, has created a nonvolatile and reversible procedure to control single-photon emission purity in monolayer tungsten disulfide by integrating it with a ferroelectric material.
This novel heterostructure allows for the toggling of emission between high-purity quantum light and semi-classical light using a bias voltage. The team’s work, published in ACS Nano, has significant implications for the development of secure communication systems and quantum encryption schemes.
Control of Quantum Emitters: A New Paradigm for Quantum Photonics
Quantum photonics is a rapidly advancing field that leverages the unique properties of quantum optics to enable novel applications in secure communications, metrology, sensing, and quantum information processing. At the heart of these technologies are quantum emitters (QEs), also known as single-photon sources, which must meet stringent requirements for deterministic creation, high single-photon purity, and controllable emission. A recent breakthrough by a multi-disciplinary team at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has introduced a new paradigm for controlling QEs, providing a mechanism for modulating and encoding quantum photonic information on a single photon light stream.
The NRL Breakthrough: Ferroelectric Control of Quantum Emitters
The NRL team developed a nonvolatile and reversible procedure to control single-photon emission purity in monolayer tungsten disulfide (WS2) by integrating it with a ferroelectric material. By creating an emitter in the WS2 and toggling the emission between high-purity quantum light and semi-classical light, the researchers demonstrated a novel heterostructure that combines the nonvolatile ferroic properties of a ferroelectric with the radiative properties of zero-dimensional atomic-scale emitters embedded in the two-dimensional WS2 semiconductor monolayer. This achievement offers a new method for encoding information on a single photon stream, with significant implications for secure communications and quantum encryption schemes.
The Science Behind the Breakthrough
The NRL team’s approach relies on integrating monolayer WS2 with an organic ferroelectric polymer film. By deterministically creating and placing QEs within the WS2 using atomic force microscope (AFM) nanoindentation, the researchers achieved intimate contact between the WS2 and the ferroelectric film. This enabled the local strain field to activate single-photon emission from atomic-scale defect states in the WS2. The ferroelectric polymer serves as a deformable material that conforms to the contour of the nanoindent when the AFM tip is removed, allowing for the controlled switching of the polarization beneath the WS2.
Implications for Quantum Science and Technology
The NRL breakthrough has significant implications for the development of quantum science and technology. As fundamental building blocks in materials science and quantum science technologies, QEs are expected to maintain and enhance warfighter dominance for the future Navy. The Naval Science and Technology (S&T) Strategy and the National Defense S&T Strategy 2023 identified advanced materials and quantum science as critical technology areas.
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