Liu, G., Zhou, W., Gromyko, D., Huang, D., Dong, Z., Liu, R., Zhu, J., Liu, J., Qiu, C.-W., & Wu, L. (2025). Single-photon generation and manipulation in quantum nanophotonics. Applied Physics Reviews, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0227350
Abstract:
Developing reliable and efficient single-photon sources is crucial for advancing quantum technologies, relying on nonlinear frequency conversion or spontaneous emission from individual quantum emitters. While different types of single-photon sources excel in specific applications, none meet all criteria for an “ideal” source: exceptional brightness, high purity, and indistinguishability. To address this challenge, coupling single-photon emitters with designer nanostructures can significantly enhance emission performance, a pivotal area in quantum nanophotonics. This review summarizes recent advancements over the past decade in generating and manipulating single photons, emphasizing the pivotal role of nanostructure coupling. Single-photon emission systems—such as nonlinear crystals, solid-state defects, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, and two-dimensional materials—are categorized quantitatively based on their ability to achieve high purity, indistinguishability, and brightness, presented in a three-dimensional technology map. Furthermore, nanostructure engineering is showcased for manipulating properties such as emission direction, polarization, chirality, and entanglement of single photons. By elucidating these critical aspects, this review aims to advance understanding of how advancements in nanostructured environments promise to shape the future of single-photon generation and manipulation within quantum nanophotonics.
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This research / project is supported by the Singapore University of Technology and Design - Start-Up Research Grant
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This research / project is supported by the Singapore University of Technology and Design - Kickstarter Initiative
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This research / project is supported by the Singapore University of Technology and Design - Kickstarter Initiative
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This research / project is supported by the National Research Foundation - Quantum Engineering Programme
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This research / project is supported by the National Research Foundation - Quantum Engineering Programme
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This research / project is supported by the National Research Foundation - Competitive Research Programme
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This research / project is supported by the Ministry of Education Singapore - NA
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This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research - Manufacturing, Trade, and Connectivity Young Individual Research Grant
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This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research - Career Development Award
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This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research - Manufacturing, Trade, and Connectivity Individual Research Grant
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This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research - Manufacturing, Trade, and Connectivity Individual Research Grant
Grant Reference no. : M22K2c0088
This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research - Quantum Engineering Programme 2.0
Grant Reference no. : NRF2021-QEP2-03-P09
This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research - DELTA-Q 2.0
Grant Reference no. : C230917005
This research / project is supported by the National Research Foundation - Competitive Research Programme
Grant Reference no. : NRF-CRP30-2023-0003
This research / project is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China - NA
Grant Reference no. : 12374326
This research / project is supported by the Key Project of Natural Science Foundation of Henan - NA
Grant Reference no. : 232300421141
This research / project is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China - NA
Grant Reference no. : 11874438
This research / project is supported by the Ministry of Education Singapore - Academic Research Fund Tier-1
Grant Reference no. : A-8002152-00-00
Description:
This article may be downloaded for personal use only. Any other use requires prior permission of the author and AIP Publishing. This article appeared in Liu, G., Zhou, W., Gromyko, D., Huang, D., Dong, Z., Liu, R., Zhu, J., Liu, J., Qiu, C.-W., & Wu, L. (2025). Single-photon generation and manipulation in quantum nanophotonics. Applied Physics Reviews, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0227350 and may be found at https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0227350.