Efficient light extraction from an apex quantum dot coupled to a single-mode optical fiber

Abstract

Deterministic quantum dots (apex-QDs), which are spontaneously formed at the vertex of pyramid structures, are an attractive single-photon source. Herein, we propose the design of apex-QDs coupled to a single-mode optical fiber for directional emission from a quantum dot, followed by optimization of the structural parameters to maximize the extraction efficiency toward the fiber using FDTD simulation. A dielectric layer of SiO 2 was inserted between a silver and a quantum dot to minimize the metallic loss and control the distance between them. For this, the optimum layer thicknesses of silver and SiO 2 were 100 nm and 240 nm, respectively, achieving 94% light collection downward near 600 nm in wavelength. The proposed structure was then coupled to a tapered optical fiber, achieving 60% of the quantum dot emission. This high collection through an optical fiber was observed for a wide range of emission wavelengths.