Efficient coupling of single photons to ridge-waveguide photonic integrated circuits

Abstract

We demonstrate the efficient coupling of single photons emitted by single quantum dots (QDs) in a photonic crystal cavity (PhCC) to a ridge waveguide (RWG). Using a single-step lithographic process with an optimized tapering, up to 70 coupling efficiency between the photonic crystal waveguide and the RWG was achieved. The emission enhancement of single QDs inside an in-line PhCC coupled via the RWG to a single-mode fiber was observed. Single-photon funneling rates around 3.5 MHz from a single QD into the RWG were obtained. This result is a step toward the realization of a fully functional quantum photonic integrated circuit. © 2013 American Institute of Physics.