Design for an efficient single photon source based on a single quantum dot embedded in a parabolic solid immersion lens.

Abstract

We have designed a single photon emitter based on a single quantum dot embedded within a single mode parabolic solid immersion lens (pSIL) and a capping low-index pSIL. Numerical simulations predicted that the emitter performance should exhibit a high photon collection efficiency with excellent far-field emission properties, broadband operation, and good tolerance in its geometric (spatial configuration) parameters. Good geometric tolerance in a single-mode pSIL without yielding significant losses in the photon collection efficiency is advantageous for device fabrication. The low-index top pSIL layer provided this structure with a high photon collection efficiency, even in the case of a small numerical aperture (NA). Photon collection efficiencies of 64% and 78% were expected for NA values of 0.41 and 0.5, respectively. In addition to the benefits listed above, our combined pSIL design provided excellent broadband performance in a 100 nm range.