3D-printed micro-optics: coupling to single quantum dots and NbN single photon detectors

We present 3D printed microoptics as a tool for quantum technologies. Specifically, when coupling single photons from quantum emitters into single mode fibers and when coupling single photons from single mode fibers into superconducting single nanowire detectors, 3D printed microoptics enables emission collection, mode conversion, and efficient coupling from one device into the other. We demonstrate different solutions which include 3D printed optics directly onto single mode fibers, as well as onto no-core fibers spliced onto single mode fibers. We also present solutions for the emission collection and recollimation of different quantum emitters such as semiconductor quantum dots or defect centers [1]. Furthermore, we demonstrate how 3D printed optics can be utilized to focus the photons of a single mode fiber down to an extremely small active area of a superconducting single nanowire detector, which can enhance its detection speed due to reduced capaticance and kinetic inductance [2]. Finally, we also demonstrate how 3D printed optics on single mode fibers enables coupling of light to single trapped atoms inside of a vacuum chamber [3]. [1] M. Sartison, K. Weber, S. Thiele, L. Bremer, S. Fischbach, T. Herzog, S. Kolatschek, M. Jetter, S. Reitzenstein, A. Herkommer, P. Michler, S. Portalupi and H. Giessen, “3D printed micro-optics for quantum technology: Optimised coupling of single quantum dot emission into a single-mode fibre”, Light Adv. Manuf. 2, 6 (2021). [2] S. Mennle, P. Karl, M. Ubl, P. Ruchka, K. Weber, M. Hentschel, P. Flad and H. Giessen, “Towards fiber-coupled plasmonic perfect absorber superconducting nanowire photodetectors for the near- and mid-infrared”, Opt. Continuum 2, 1901 (2023). [3] P. Ruchka, S. Hammer, M. Rockenhäuser, R. Albrecht, J. Drozella, S. Thiele, H. Giessen and T. Langen, „Microscopic 3D printed optical tweezers for atomic quantum technology”, Quantum Sci. Technol. 7, 045011 (2022).