The "Integrated Quantum Photonics" group, led by Prof. Dr. Tim Schröder at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, has achieved a global first by creating and detecting photons with stable frequencies emitted from quantum light sources, specifically nitrogen-vacancy defect centers in diamond nanostructures. This breakthrough was made possible by selecting the right diamond material, utilizing sophisticated nanofabrication techniques from the Joint Lab Diamond Nanophotonics of the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik, and implementing specific experimental control protocols. The reduction of electron noise through these methods has enabled the stable emission of photons at a reliable communication frequency.
Diamond material is of great importance for future technologies such as the quantum internet. Special defect centers can be used as quantum bits (qubits) and emit single light particles that are referred to as "single photons." To enable data transmission with feasible communication rates over long distances in a quantum network, all photons must be collected in optical fibers and transmitted without being lost. It must also be ensured that these photons all have the same color, i.e., the same frequency. Fulfilling these requirements has been impossible until now.
In addition, the Berlin researchers show that the current communication rates between spatially separated quantum systems can be prospectively increased more than 1000-fold with the help of the developed methods—an important step closer to a future quantum internet.
The scientists have integrated individual qubits into optimized diamond nanostructures. These structures are 1000 times thinner than a human hair and make it possible to transfer emitted photons in a directed manner into glass fibers. However, during the fabrication of the nanostructures, the material surface is damaged at the atomic level, and free electrons create uncontrollable noise for the generated light particles. Noise, comparable to an unstable radio frequency, causes fluctuations in the photon frequency, preventing successful quantum operations such as entanglement.
A special feature of the diamond material used is its relatively high density of nitrogen impurity atoms in the crystal lattice. These may shield the quantum light source from electron noise at the surface of the nanostructure. "However, the exact physical processes need to be studied in more detail in the future," explains Laura Orphal-Kobin, who investigates quantum systems together with Prof. Dr. Tim Schröder. The conclusions drawn from the experimental observations are supported by statistical models and simulations, which Dr. Gregor Pieplow from the same research group is developing and implementing together with the experimental physicists.
Click here to view the publication link.
