arXiv subjects

Oliver Benson

Publications and source records attributed to Oliver Benson.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2019

Direct Measurement of Quantum Efficiency of Single Photon Emitters in Hexagonal Boron Nitride

Single photon emitters in two-dimensional materials are promising candidates for future generation of quantum photonic technologies. In this work, we experimentally determine the quantum efficiency (QE) of single photon emitters (SPE) in few-layer hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). We employ a metal hemisphere that is attached to the tip of an atomic force microscope to directly measure the lifetime variation of the SPEs as the tip approaches the hBN. This technique enables non-destructive, yet direct and absolute measurement of the QE of SPEs. We find that the emitters exhibit very high QEs approaching $(87 \pm 7)\,\%$ at wavelengths of $\approx\,580\,\mathrm{nm}$, which is amongst the highest QEs recorded for a solid state single photon emitter.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2019

Heuristic Modeling of Strong Coupling in Plasmonic Resonators

Strong coupling of plasmonic excitations and dipolar emitters, such as organic molecules, have been studied extensively in the last years. The questions whether strong coupling can be achieved with a single molecule only and how this is unambiguously proven are still under debate. A critical issue of plasmonic in contrast to photonic systems is additional excitonic line broadening, which is often neglected when modeling such systems. This has led to too optimistic design predictions or incorrect interpretation of ambiguous experimental data, for example in models relying on Maxwell solvers without self-consistent incorporation of line broadening effects. In this paper, we present a heuristic modeling approach for strongly coupled systems based on plasmonic nanoparticles and dipolar emitters that accounts for such broadening and elucidates on recent experiments with single emitters. We explicitly focus on a clear and intuitive classical description that utilizes well-established methods, easy to use within typical Maxwell solvers. The heuristic model (i) provides experimentally relevant numbers like emitter densities and spectra (ii) allows to discriminate systems, which can reach the strong coupling regime from those, which can not (iii) allows to identify optimization routes and (iv) nicely matches with experimental findings. In particular, we employ an approach related to quasi normal modes and extinction simulations where the excitonic system is represented by a frequency dependent permittivity. As examples, we investigate two configurations with many, but also single emitters, which have been studied in recent experiments.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2018

Very Large and Reversible Stark Shift Tuning of Single Emitters in Layered Hexagonal Boron Nitride

Combining solid state single photon emitters (SPE) with nanophotonic platforms is a key goal in integrated quantum photonics. In order to realize functionality in potentially scalable elements, suitable SPEs have to be bright, stable, and widely tunable at room temperature. In this work we show that selected SPEs embedded in a few layer hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) meet these demands. In order to show the wide tunability of these SPEs we employ an AFM with a conductive tip to apply an electrostatic field to individual hBN emitters sandwiched between the tip and an indium tin oxide coated glass slide. A very large and reversible Stark shift of $(5.5 \pm 3)\,$nm at a zero field wavelength of $670\,$nm was induced by applying just $20\,$V, which exceeds the typical resonance linewidths of nanodielectric and even nanoplasmonic resonators. Our results are important to further understand the physical origin of SPEs in hBN as well as for practical quantum photonic applications where wide spectral tuning and on/off resonance switching are required.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2018

Silver nanowires with optimized silica coating as versatile plasmonic resonators

Metal nanoparticles are the most frequently used nanostructures in plasmonics. However, besides nanoparticles, metal nanowires feature several advantages for applications. Their elongation offers a larger interaction volume, their resonances can reach higher quality factors, and their mode structure provides better coupling into integrated hybrid dielectric-plasmonic circuits. It is crucial though, to control the distance of the wire to a supporting substrate, to another metal layer or to active materials with sub-nanometer precision. A dielectric coating can be utilized for distance control, but it must not degrade the plasmonic properties. In this paper, we introduce a controlled synthesis and coating approach for silver nanowires to fulfill these demands. We synthesize and characterize silver nanowires of around 70 nm in diameter. These nanowires are coated with nm-sized silica shells using a modified Stöber method to achieve a homogeneous and smooth surface quality. We use transmission electron microscopy, dark-field microscopy and electron-energy loss spectroscopy to study morphology and plasmonic resonances of individual nanowires and quantify the influence of the silica coating. Thorough numerical simulations support the experimental findings showing that the coating does not deteriorate the plasmonic properties and thus introduce silver nanowires as usable building blocks for integrated hybrid plasmonic systems.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2018

Riesz-projection-based theory of light-matter interaction in dispersive nanoresonators

We introduce a theory to analyze the behavior of light emitters in nanostructured environments rigorously. Based on spectral theory, the approach opens the possibility to quantify precisely how an emitter decays to resonant states of the structure and how it couples to a background, also in the presence of general dispersive media. Quantification on this level is essential for designing and analyzing topical nanophotonic setups, e.g., in quantum technology applications. We use a numerical implementation of the theory for computing modal and background decay rates of a single-photon emitter in a diamond nanoresonator.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2018

Fast and accurate functionalization of opaque conductive samples with single nano particles

Single quantum emitters coupled to different plasmonic and photonic structures are key elements for integrated quantum technologies. In order to fully exploit these elements, e.g. for quantum enhanced sensors or quantum repeaters, a reliable fabrication method as enabling technology is crucial. In this work, we present a method that allows for positioning of individual nano crystals containing single quantum light sources on non-transparent conductive samples with sub-micrometer precision. We induce long-range electrostatic forces between an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip, which carries a nano particle, and the target surface. This allows for mapping of the target area in non contact mode. Then, the placement site can be identified with high accuracy without any tip approach, eliminating the risk of a particle loss. We demonstrate the strength of the method by transferring a diamond nano crystal containing a single nitrogen-vacancy defect to the center of a micrometer-sized silver bullseye antenna with nanometer resolution. Our approach provides a simple and reliable assembling technology for positioning single nano objects on opaque substrates with high reproducibility and precision.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2017

'Flying Plasmons': Fabry-Pèrot Resonances in Levitated Silver Nanowires

Plasmonic nano structures such as wire waveguides or antennas are key building blocks for novel highly integrated photonics. A quantitative understanding of the optical material properties of individual structures on the nanoscale is thus indispensable for predicting and designing the functionality of complex composite elements. In this letter we study propagating surface plasmon polaritons in single silver nanowires isolated from its environment by levitation in a linear Paul trap. Symmetry-breaking effects, e.g., from supporting substrates are completely eliminated in this way. Illuminated with white light from a supercontinuum source, Fabry-Pèrot-like resonances are observed in the scattering spectra obtained from the ends of the nanowires. The plasmonic nature of the signal is verified by local excitation and photon collection corresponding to a clean transmission measurement through a Fabry-Pèrot resonator. A numerical simulation is used to compute the complex effective refractive indices of the nanowires as input parameter for a simple Fabry-Pèrot model, which nicely reproduces the measured spectra despite the highly dispersive nature of the system. Our studies pave the way for quantitative characterization of nearly any trappable plasmonic nano object, even of fragile ones such as droplets of liquids or molten metal and of nearly any nanoresonator based on a finite waveguide with implications for modeling of complex hybrid structures featuring strong coupling or lasing. Moreover, the configuration has the potential to be complemented by gas sensors to study the impact of hot electrons on catalytic reactions nearby plasmonic particles.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2017

Mixed basis quantum key distribution with linear optics

Two-qubit quantum codes have been suggested to obtain better efficiency and higher loss tolerance in quantum key distribution. Here, we propose a two-qubit quantum key distribution protocol based on a mixed basis consisting of two Bell states and two states from the computational basis. All states can be generated from a single entangled photon pair resource by using local operations on only one auxiliary photon. Compared to other schemes it is also possible to deterministically discriminate all states using linear optics. Additionally, our protocol can be implemented with today's technology. When discussing the security of our protocol we find a much improved resistance against certain attacks as compared to the standard BB84 protocol.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Numerical Assessment and Optimization of Discrete-Variable Time-Frequency Quantum Key Distribution

The discrete variables (DV) time-frequency (TF) quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol is a BB84 like protocol, which utilizes time and frequency as complementary bases. As orthogonal modulations, pulse position modulation (PPM) and frequency shift keying (FSK) are capable of transmitting several bits per symbol, i.e. per photon. However, unlike traditional binary polarization shift keying, PPM and FSK do not allow perfectly complementary bases. So information is not completely deleted when the wrong-basis filters are applied. Since a general security proof does not yet exist, we numerically assess DV-TF-QKD. We show that the secret key rate increases with a higher number of symbols per basis. Further we identify the optimal pulse relations in the two bases in terms of key rate and resistance against eavesdropping attacks.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

A compact and simple photonic nano-antenna for efficient photon extraction from nitrogen vacancy centers in bulk diamond

Enhancing the collection efficiency of single emitters via dielectric antennas is a common approach in research dealing with solid-state quantum light sources. Current design concepts often suffer from a large footprint, quenching or a complex fabrication process. Here we report on another design where the Kerker effect is used to collimate emission from a nitrogen vacancy (NV) center. The structure discussed here is an easy to fabricate cylindrical protrusion made from diamond on top of a diamond substrate with NVs incorporated into its center. We optimize the structure with respect to application in quantum information processing and quantum sensing and find an up to 15 times higher photon extraction.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2017

Photodynamics of quantum emitters in hexagonal boron nitride revealed by low temperature spectroscopy

Quantum emitters in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) have recently emerged as promising bright single photon sources. In this letter we investigate in details their optical properties at cryogenic temperatures. In particular, we perform temperature resolved photoluminescence studies and measure photon coherence times from the hBN emitters. The obtained value of 81(1) ps translates to a width of $\sim$12 GHz which is higher than the Fourier transform limited value of $\sim$32 MHz. To account for the photodynamics of the emitter, we perform ultrafast spectral diffusion measurements that partially account for the coherence times. Our results provide important insight into the relaxation processes in quantum emitters in hBN which is mandatory to evaluate their applicability for quantum information processing.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

Limitations of Particle-Based Spasers

We present a semi-classical analytic model for spherical core-shell surface plasmon lasers. Within this model, we drop the widely used one-mode approximations in favor of fully electromagnetic Mie theory. This allows for incorporation of realistic gain relaxation rates that so far have been massively underestimated. Especially, higher order modes can undermine and even reverse the beneficial effects of the strong Purcell effect in such systems. Our model gives a clear view on gain- and resonator-requirements, as well as on the output characteristics that will help experimenters to design more efficient particle-based spasers.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2015

A folded-sandwich polarization-entangled two-color photon pair source with large tuning capability for applications in hybrid quantum architectures

We demonstrate a two-color entangled pho ton pair source which can be adapted easily to a wide range of wavelengths combinations. A Fresnel rhomb as a geometrical quarter-wave plate and a versatile combination of compensation crystals are key components of the source. Entanglement of two photons at the Cs D1 line (894.3 nm) and at the telecom O-band (1313.1 nm) with a fidelity of $F = 0.753 \pm 0.021$ is demonstrated and improvements of the setup are discussed.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

Coupled mode approach to square gradient Bragg reflection resonances in corrugated dielectric waveguides

We demonstrate the appearance of unexpected reflection resonances in corrugated dielectric waveguides. These are due to the curvature of the boundary. The effect is as strong as the ordinary Bragg resonances, and reduces the transmission through our waveguide by 20%. It is thus of high relevance for the design of optimized waveguiding structures. We validate our analytical predictions based on coupled mode theory by a comparison to numerical simulations.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2015

Highly Efficient Coupling of Nanolight Emitters to a Ultra-wide Tunable Nanofibre Cavity

Solid-state microcavities combining ultra-small mode volume, wide-range resonance frequency tuning, as well as lossless coupling to a single mode fibre are integral tools for nanophotonics and quantum networks. We developed an integrated system providing all of these three indispensable properties. It consists of a nanofibre Bragg cavity (NFBC) with the mode volume of under 1 micro cubic meter and repeatable tuning capability over more than 20 nm at visible wavelengths. In order to demonstrate quantum light-matter interaction, we establish coupling of quantum dots to our tunable NFBC and achieve an emission enhancement by a factor of 2.7.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2015

Key components for nano-assembled plasmon-excited single molecule non-linear devices

Tremendous enhancement of light-matter interaction in plasmon-excited molecular hybrid devices allows for non-linearities on the level of single emitters and few photons. This promises a plethora of novel applications like single photon transistors. Nevertheless, building the components of such devices is technologically extremely challenging. We tackle this task by lithographically fabricating on-chip plasmonic waveguides, efficiently connected to far-field in- and out-coupling ports via low-loss dielectric waveguides. Furthermore, a nano-assembling technology is developed, enabling the controlled coupling of single organic emitters to the plasmonic waveguides. Dibenzoterrylene fluorescent molecules hosted in anthracene crystals are investigated for this purpose. Here we present all key-components and technologies for a plasmon-excited single molecule non-linear device.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

A fully nanoscopic dielectric laser

In this article, we introduce the concept of a dielectric nanolaser that is nanoscopic in all spatial dimensions. Our proposal is based on dielectric nanoparticles of high refractive index, e.g., silicon, acting as a (passive) cavity (without intrinsic gain) that is decorated with a thin film of organic gain media. Its resonance frequencies can be tuned over the entire visible range and bright and dark modes can be addressed. So called "magnetic" modes can be utilized, which makes this dielectric nanolaser a complementary source of coherent nearfields similar to the surface plasmon laser (which exploits electric modes). The small intrinsic losses in silicon yield relatively high quality factors and low non-radiative decay rates of emitters close to the cavity, both of which will lead to low thresholds. As we show in this work, the dielectric nanolaser exhibits certain advantages relative to nanowire lasers and spasers, such as reduced laser threshold, short switch-on times, size and design flexibility. The dielectric nanolaser is compatible with standard lithographic fabrication approaches and its relative simple design may allow for easy testing and realization of the concept. Thus, the silicon nanolaser might soon find many applications in nanooptics and metamaterials.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

Narrow-band single photon emission at room temperature based on a single Nitrogen-vacancy center coupled to an all-fiber-cavity

We report the realization of a device based on a single Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond coupled to a fiber-cavity for use as single photon source (SPS). The device consists of two concave mirrors each directly fabricated on the facets of two optical fibers and a preselected nanodiamond containing a single NV center deposited onto one of these mirrors. Both, cavity in- and output are directly fiber-coupled and the emission wavelength is easily tunable by variation of the separation of the two mirrors with a piezo-electric crystal. By coupling to the cavity we achieve an increase of the spectral photon rate density by two orders of magnitude compared to free-space emission of the NV center. With this work we establish a simple all-fiber based SPS with promising prospects for the integration into photonic quantum networks.

physics.optics↗