Narrow-band single-photon emission in the near infrared for quantum key distribution

Abstract

We report on the observation of single colour centers in natural diamond samples emitting in the near infrared region when optically excited. Photoluminescence of these single emitters have several striking features, such as a narrow-band fully polarized emission (FWHM 2 nm) around 780 nm, a short excited-state lifetime of about 2 ns, and perfect photostability at room temperature under our excitation conditions. We present a detailed study of their photophysical properties. Development of a triggered single-photon source relying on this single colour centre is discussed in the prospect of its application to quantum key distribution.

arXiv comment9 pages

References in corpus (8)

• Quantum Cryptography
• Quantum Key Distribution with High Loss: Toward Global Secure Communication
• Single photon quantum cryptography
• Room temperature stable single-photon source
• Stable single photon source in near infrared
• Estimates for practical quantum cryptography
• High quality asynchronous heralded single photon source at telecom wavelength
• Single photon generation by pulsed excitation of a single dipole

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