THE SPARROW SINGLE-PHOTON CHIP
The new SPARROW single-photon source is is based on self-assembled InAs quantum dots coupled to a slow-light photonic-crystal waveguide made using a unique processing technology. The slow-light sections feature a low group velocity in order to increase light-matter interaction while the weak-dispersion sections enable more efficient chip out-coupling.

Each end of the waveguide structure is coupled to carefully engineered suspended nano-beam waveguides and out-coupling gratings. The increased coupling efficiency from the quantum dot to the waveguide relies on the strong suppression of radiation modes together with an enhanced coupling into the waveguide mode. This makes it very robust to spatial and spectral dispersity meaning that the quantum dots are efficiently coupled.
The new SPARROW single-photon source is is based on self-assembled InAs quantum dots coupled to a slow-light photonic-crystal waveguide made using a unique processing technology. The slow-light sections feature a low group velocity in order to increase light-matter interaction while the weak-dispersion sections enable more efficient chip out-coupling.
Each end of the waveguide structure is coupled to carefully engineered suspended nano-beam waveguides and out-coupling gratings. The increased coupling efficiency from the quantum dot to the waveguide relies on the strong suppression of radiation modes together with an enhanced coupling into the waveguide mode. This makes it very robust to spatial and spectral dispersity meaning that the quantum dots are efficiently coupled.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS
Shoot a laser pulse at our SQT quantum-dot chip and it will deliver a stream of single photons. An optical cryostat equipped for confocal spectroscopy is required, but use is simple and straightforward.

The standard SQT-chip with gratings for vertical out-coupling
PROFESSIONAL QUANTUM DESIGN AND NANOPRODUCTION
PROFESSIONAL QUANTUM DESIGN AND NANOPRODUCTION
WHAT WE PROVIDE
- Diced single-photon chip
- Detailed characterization report
- Extensive system integration support
- Multiple customization options

Excitation mechanism | Resonant |
Single-photon purity (1-g(2)(0)) | >98% |
Single-photon coherence indistinguishability |
95-98% |
Single-photon efficiency in fiber | >100 MHz * |
Emission wavelength | 920-980 nm |
Excitation wavelength | Same as emission wavelength |
Operating temperature | <6°K |
Excitation power | Typ. 1-10 μW |
Excitation pulse width (recommended) | 10-30ps |
Single-photon pulse duration | 100 ps – 1 ns |
* For 0.5 GHz repetition rate pulsed operation of the source
HOW EXPENSIVE IS IT?
Amazingly enough our single-photon source is not nearly as expensive as one might imagine. 10 years of research. Multiple patents. All rolled into a very compact package that delivers a whopping 98% coupling efficiency can be yours for less than you think.
Contact us for price quote.