Intensive work is done on the components of quantum technologies, including circuits processing information using single photons instead of electricity, as well as light sources producing such quanta of light. Coupling these components to produce integrated quantum optical circuits on chips presents a challenge.
Researchers at the University of Münster (Germany) have now developed an interface that couples light sources for single photons with nanophotonic networks. This interface consists of so-called photonic crystals, i.e. nanostructured dielectric materials that can enhance a certain wavelength range when light passes through. This discovery allows for replicating the photonic crystals straightforwardly by using established nano-fabrication processes. (University of Münster)