Âé¶¹ÒùÔº


This article has been reviewed according to Science X's and . have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

peer-reviewed publication

trusted source

proofread

Scientists achieve high-efficiency single-photon source above loss-tolerant threshold

USTC achieves high-efficiency single-photon source above loss-tolerant threshold
The schematic diagram of the single-photon source system and the efficiency of the single-photon source surpassing the loss tolerance threshold. (Image by Pan et al.). Credit: USTC

Research teams from USTC have realized a high-performance single-photon source with an efficiency beyond the scalable linear optical quantum computing loss tolerance threshold for the first time. Led by Prof. Pan Jianwei, Lu Chaoyang and Hu Yongheng, the was published in Nature Photonics on February 28.

Photons, as important carriers for , have the advantages of fast speed and strong resistance to environmental interference. However, for scalable linear optical quantum computing to be feasible, apart from the challenges like being easily lost, the efficiency of a source must exceed the tricky threshold of 2/3. Previous studies had never broken through this threshold, a key obstacle restricting the development of optical quantum computing.

To overcome this challenge, the research teams have developed a tunable open optical microcavity, achieving precise coupling of quantum dots and microcavities in both and spatial positioning. The microcavity solved the detuning problem of traditional fixed microcavities.

In addition, the teams employed tailor-shaped laser pulse excitation on a high-quantum efficiency single quantum dot. The significantly improved the overall performance of the single-photon source.

Specifically, the single-photon property of the single-photon source went beyond 98.0%, the photon indistinguishability exceeded 98.5%, and the system efficiency reached 71.2%.

Additionally, the extraction efficiency transcended 80.6%, and the loss tolerance threshold of 2/3 was broken through for the first time.

With this source developed, the researchers further reported 1.89(14) dB intensity squeezing, and consecutive 40-photon events with a count rate of 1.67 mHz.

The study achieves a source system efficiency above the threshold required for compensating for photon loss in photonic quantum computing, showing another significant step towards the ideal single-photon source.

More information: Xing Ding et al, High-efficiency single-photon source above the loss-tolerant threshold for efficient linear optical quantum computing, Nature Photonics (2025). . On arXiv:

Journal information: Nature Photonics , arXiv

Citation: Scientists achieve high-efficiency single-photon source above loss-tolerant threshold (2025, April 7) retrieved 29 April 2025 from /news/2025-04-scientists-high-efficiency-photon-source.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Âé¶¹ÒùÔºicists develop record-breaking source for single photons

1 shares

Feedback to editors