On-Chip 3D Printing of Polymer Waveguide-Coupled Single-Photon Emitter Based on Colloidal Quantum Dots

In the field of quantum technology, there has been a growing interest in fully integrated systems that employ single photons due to their potential for high performance and scalability. Here, a simple method is demonstrated for creating on-chip 3D printed polymer waveguide-coupled single-photon emitters based on colloidal quantum dots (QDs). By using a simple low-one photon absorption technique, we were able to create a 3D polymeric crossed-arc waveguide structure with a bright QD on top. These waveguides can conduct both excitation laser and emitted single photons, which facilitates the characterization of single-photon signals at different outputs with a conventional confocal scanning system. To optimize the guiding effect of the polymeric waveguide structures, comprehensive 3D finite-difference time-domain simulations were performed. Our method provides a straightforward and cost-effective way to integrate high-performance single-photon sources with on-chip photonic devices, enabling scalable and versatile quantum photonic circuits for various applications.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates a simple method to create on-chip 3D printed polymer waveguide-coupled single-photon emitters based on colloidal quantum dots. By employing a low-one photon absorption technique, a bright QD was successfully created on top of a 3D polymeric crossed-arc waveguide structure. These waveguides were able to conduct both excitation laser and emitted single photons, enabling the characterization of single-photon signals at different outputs. Through comprehensive simulations, the guiding effect of the polymeric waveguide structures was optimized. This method offers a straightforward and cost-effective approach to integrate high-performance single-photon sources with on-chip photonic devices, allowing the development of scalable and versatile quantum photonic circuits for various applications.