Efficient generation of near infra-red single photons from the zero-phonon line of a single molecule

Opt Express. 2009 Dec 21;17(26):23986-91. doi: 10.1364/OE.17.023986.

Abstract

Using the zero-phonon line (ZPL) emission of a single molecule, we realized a triggered source of near-infra-red (lambda = 785 nm) single photons at a high repetition rate. A Weierstrass solid immersion lens is used to image single molecules with an optical resolution of 300 nm (approximately 0.4lambda) and a high collection efficiency. Because dephasing of the transition dipole due to phonons vanishes at liquid helium temperatures, our source is attractive for the efficient generation of single indistinguishable photons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Infrared Rays
  • Lighting / methods*
  • Microscopy / methods*
  • Photons