Generation of non-classical states of photons from a metal–dielectric interface: a novel architecture for quantum information processing

Abstract

We show the possibility to generate photons in a certain class of non-classical states from a metal–dielectric interface using dipole emitters on the interface. The photons emitted into the surface plasmon mode from the initially excited emitters radiate out in free space in a cone-shaped geometry. When detected at two detectors, these photons exhibit coalescence, a clear signature of non-classicality. Such a system can also be employed as a building block for a distributed quantum network. We further show that it is indeed feasible to implement our model using available technology.