Photostable Molecules on Chip: Integrated Sources of Nonclassical Light

The on-chip integration of quantum light sources and nonlinear elements constitutes a major step toward scalable photon-based quantum information processing and communication. In this work we demonstrate the potential of a hybrid technology that combines organic molecule-based quantum emitters and dielectric chips consisting of ridge waveguides and grating far-field couplers. In particular, dibenzoterrylene molecules in thin anthracene crystals are used as single-photon sources, exhibiting long-term photostability, easy fabrication methods, almost unitary quantum yield, and lifetime-limited emission at cryogenic temperatures. We couple such single emitters to silicon nitride ridge waveguides, showing a coupling efficiency of up to 42 ± 2% over both propagation directions. Our results open a novel path toward a fully integrated and scalable photon processing platform.