Nanowire-based sources of non-classical light

Abstract

Sources of quantum light that utilize photonic nanowire designs have emerged as potential candidates for high efficiency non-classical light generation in quantum information processing. In this review we cover the different platforms used to produce nanowire-based sources, highlighting the importance of waveguide design and material properties in achieving optimal performance. The limitations of the sources are identified and routes to optimization are proposed. State-of-the-art nanowire sources are compared to other solid-state quantum emitter platforms with regard to the key metrics of single photon purity, indistinguishability and entangled-pair fidelity to maximally entangled Bell states. We also discuss the unique ability of the nanowire platform to incorporate multiple emitters in the same optical mode and consider potential applications. Finally, routes to on-chip integration are discussed and the challenges facing the development of a nanowire-based scalable architecture are presented.