Due to their quantum nature, single-photon emitters generate individual photons in bursts or streams. They are paramount in emerging quantum technologies such as quantum key distribution, quantum repeaters, and measurement-based quantum computing. Many such systems have been reported in the last three decades, from Rubidium atoms coupled to cavities to semiconductor quantum dots and color centers implanted in waveguides. This review article highlights different material systems with deterministic and controlled single photon generation. We discuss and compare the performance metrics, such as purity and indistinguishability, for these sources and evaluate their potential for different applications. Finally, a new potential single-photon source, based on the Rydberg exciton in solid state metal oxide thin films, is introduced, briefly discussing its promising qualities and advantages in fabricating quantum chips for quantum photonic applications.
@article{arxiv.2412.01573,
title = {Single-Photon Generation: Materials, Techniques, and the Rydberg Exciton Frontier},
author = {Arya Keni and Kinjol Barua and Khabat Heshami and Alisa Javadi and Hadiseh Alaeian},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2412.01573},
year = {2024}
}