Isolated quantum dots in micropillars: an efficient single-mode solid-state photon source

Summary form only given. The development of efficient solid-state single-photon sources (S4P) has recently become an important challenge in view of their potential application to secure telecommunication systems based on quantum key distribution. Such a device would be able to emit light pulses containing one and only one photon in a deterministic way. Its operation relies on the combination of two functionalities: (1) single photon generation, obtained through the implementation of a single emitter as active medium, and (2) efficient photon collection. We present the first single-mode S4P, which is based on a single InAs QD in a semiconductor micropillar.