Controllable low photon source with predetermined wavelength for use in optical communications includes probe for capturing at least one photon emitted by luminescent element implanted into a solid material

摘要

The controllable low photon source with predetermined wavelength comprises a solid material (10) in which are implanted a dilute concentration of luminescent elements (11) with the predetermined wavelength, a device (20) for exciting the luminescent elements, and a probe (30) for capturing, by near field coupling, at least one photon emitted by the luminescent elements. Preferred Features: The surface concentration of luminescent elements (11) in the solid material is less than 10 per square micron, and less than 1 per square micron for a single photon source. The photon captured by the probe (30) is emitted in free space. The probe (30) is formed by a tapered point (31) of size less than 1 microns . An optical fiber (40) is connected to the probe (30) for transport of the captured photon to a detector (50). The source also includes means for controlling capture of the emitted photon by the probe (30), preferably means for controlling the distance between the probe (30) and the luminescent element. The probe (30) is made of a dielectric material or a semiconductor, preferably carbon or silicon.