Components for quantum computing based on optical transitions in single quantum dots

The optically active nature of direct bandgap semiconductors makes them well suited for applications in quantum optics. Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are particularly promising, due to their discrete atom-like energy levels. In this thesis, transitions between these energy levels are used to investigate the effects of electric and magnetic fields on the energy structure of single QDs, with a view to developing applications in the field of quantum computing. In the work presented here a novel method of creating entangled photon pair emitters is presented, in which an electric field is used to tune the energy structure of single QDs to allow the fidelity of the emitted entangled state to be increased. In addition, a technique for the creation of energy-tunable entangled photon pairs is proposed and shown to be feasible with current technology. Furthermore, the potential of QDs to act as an interface between photonic and spin qubits is explored. Application of a time varying electric field is used to dynamically tune the QD energy levels, allowing the evolution of excitons confined within single QDs to be manipulated. Using this system a controlled phase rotation of the exciton spin state is implemented. Finally, indistinguishable single photons, emitted by the radiative decay of the exciton state, are used to generate the input state for an integrated photonic two-qubit quantum logic gate. This is the first demonstration of a two-qubit gate using on-demand single photons. It is also the first demonstration of such a gate with all components realised using semiconductor materials.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Cambridge

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Pooley, Matthew Anthony

Licence

• https://apollo8-f-pro.lib.cam.ac.uk/bitstreams/0dd4ccb2-d81f-45dd-837e-2b45e1c70568/download
• https://www.rioxx.net/licenses/all-rights-reserved/

Language dc:language

eng

DOI dc:identifier.doi

https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.16608

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.repository.cam.ac.uk:1810/245335