Photo-induced blinking in a solid state quantum system

Abstract

Solid state single photon emitters (SPEs) are one of the prime components of many quantum nanophotonics devices. In this work, we report on an unusual, photo-induced blinking phenomenon of SPEs in gallium nitride (GaN). This is shown to be due to the modification in the transition kinetics of the emitter, via the introduction of additional laser-activated states. We investigate and characterize the blinking effect on the brightness of the source and the statistics of the emitted photons. Combining second-order correlation and fluorescence trajectory measurements, we determine the photo-dynamics of the trap states and characterize power dependent decay rates and characteristic off-time blinking. Our work sheds new light into understanding solid-state quantum system dynamics and, specifically, power-induced blinking phenomena in SPEs.

Final version appeared in Phys. Rev. B 96, 041203(R) (2017)

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• Bayesian estimation of switching rates for blinking emitters
• All-optical magnetic imaging with spin defects in van der Waals materials at Angstrom-scale