Single photons on demand from 3D photonic band-gap structures

Abstract

We describe a practical implementation of a (semi-deterministic) photon gun based on stimulated Raman adiabatic passage pumping and the strong enhancement of the photonic density of states in a photonic band-gap material. We show that this device allows deterministic and unidirectional production of single photons with a high repetition rate of the order of 100 kHz. We also discuss specific 3D photonic micro-structure architectures in which our model can be realized and the feasibility of implementing such a device using Er3+ ions that produce single photons at the telecommunication wavelength of 1.55 μm. © EDP Sciences.