Quantum dot microcavity control of photon statistics

Snijders, H.J. (2018)

Doctoral Thesis

During my PhD research, I studied the photon statistics of light emitted by a microcavity that contains a
single quantum dot (QD) on resonance. The work encompasses an experimental part, simulations and a
theoretical element. In the experimental part, we developed a fiber-coupled single-photon source, which can
easily be integrated with existing quantum technologies. The developed source is state of the art in terms of
single photon rate and purity. Further, I performed extensive simulations on the quantum master model. This
is a theoretical model describing the interaction between light and the quantum dot in a microcavity. These
simulations lead to a better theoretical understanding of the physics behind single photon light and other non-
classical states of light. Through a theoretical study, we reported of an alternative way to produce single
photons called unconventional photon blockade. In my PhD research, I learned to develop new quantum
technologies such as single photon sources, thoroughly analyze them using numerical simulations for
improvement, as well as being able to perform a theoretical analysis for physical understanding.

• Single-photons
• Quantum dot
• CQED
• Jaynes-Cummings
• Hamiltonian
• Photon blockade
• Fiber-coupling, source

• All authors: Snijders, H.J.
• Supervisor: Bouwmeester, D.
• Co-supervisor: Löffler, W.
• Committee: Bonato, C.; Pereira, S.F.; Eliel, E.R.; Exter, M.P. van; Nienhuis, G.; Orrit, M.A.G.J.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Leiden Institute of Physics (LION), Faculty of Science, Leiden University
• Date: 2018-12-20
• Title of host publication: Casimir PhD Series
• ISBN (print): 9789085933779
• Name: 2018-47