Narrow and Stable Single Photon Emission from Dibenzoterrylene in para-Terphenyl Nanocrystals

Abstract

Single organic molecules are promising photon sources for quantum technologies. In this work we show photon emission from dibenzoterrylene, a widely used organic emitter, in a new host matrix, para-terphenyl. We present a reprecipitation growth method that produces para-terphenyl nanocrystals which are ideal for integration into nanophotonic devices due to their small size. We characterise the optical properties of dibenzoterrylene in nanocrystals at room and cryogenic temperatures, showing bright, narrow emission from a single molecule. Spectral data on the vibrational energies is presented and a further 25 additional molecules are characterised. This emitter-host combination has potential for quantum technology purposes with wavelengths suitable for interfacing with quantum memories.