Single photons are produced on-demand using a Silicon-on-Insulator-based photonic integrated circuit. These photons can be generated from the photonic integrated circuit architecture, using time multiplexing to increase output rate and efficiency by switching many photon generation sources to a single output channel. Photons generated by this method are indistinguishable and bright, and can be integrated with standard opto-electronic systems. This technology offers an efficient, scalable, and cost-effective way of producing single photons.
Many technologies with great scientific and commercial potential, such as quantum computing or quantum cryptography, rely on the generation of single photons. Existing methods for producing single photons, such as quantum dots, cold atom traps, and bulk optical/laser sources, have been disappointing in terms of efficiency of photon generation, stability, and affordability. This technology improves upon existing alternatives by producing a stable, bright single photon source. The photons used by the device are produced microns away from their source, minimizing losses and increasing overall system efficiency. This technology has been described in peer-reviewed journals.
Patent Pending (WO/2013/009946)
Tech Ventures Reference: IR CU12009