In this study, we address the question of whether a waveguide with absorbing sidewalls can be considered pseudo free space and if the free-space transfer function is valid in such a medium. We test this hypothesis by applying a phase retrieval algorithm based on the free-space transfer function. First, optical measurements are carried out to measure the optical properties of a stack of thin films and select the parameters of simulations. Next, the propagation of light in a waveguide was simulated in COMSOL, and the phase of a wave was retrieved in MATLAB. Analysis was performed both for free-space conditions, and for a waveguide with absorbing sidewalls. The cross-correlation between the distributions of intensity under both conditions was about 0.40. The RMS error of the wave retrieved under free-space conditions was 0.378 rad, while that in the case of absorbing sidewalls was 0.323 rad, indicating successful retrieval. The successfully recovered phase of the input wave suggests that a waveguide with absorbing sidewalls can be approximated as pseudo free space and the free-space transfer function may be valid. These results may be used in future studies on how to shorten the phase retrieval of two-dimensional objects.

A pn-heterojunction is fabricated by depositing an n-type β-Ga2O3 film by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on c-cut Al2O3. P-type cuprous oxide films, Cu2O, are then deposited by PLD, as well as by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. It is concluded that hole injection is prohibited by a 3.26 eV valence band barrier, as measured by X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). Heterojunction diode structures are prepared on the front side and electrical measurements demonstrate a rectification ration of 8 orders of magnitude and an ideality factor close to 2, indicating interface recombination-controlled forward current. The junction is also optically active and shows a very fast photo-response to 275 nm UV light. 

Efficiently coupling single-photon emitters in the telecommunication C-band that are not deterministically positioned to photonic structures requires both spatial and spectral mapping. This study introduces the photoluminescence mapping of telecom C-band self-assembled quantum dots (QDs) by confocal laser scanning microscopy, a technique previously unexplored in this wavelength range which fulfills these two requirements. We consider the effects of distortions inherent to any imaging system but largely disregarded in prior works to derive accurate coordinates from photoluminescence maps. We obtain a position uncertainty below 11 nm for 10% of the QDs when assuming no distortions, highlighting the potential of the scanning approach. After distortion correction, we found that the previously determined positions are on average shifted by 428 nm from the corrected positions, demonstrating the necessity of this correction for accurate positioning. Then, through error propagation, the position uncertainty for 10% of the QDs increases to 110 nm.

Self-charging power systems (SCPSs) are envisioned as promising solutions for emerging electronics to mitigate the increasing global concern about battery waste. However, present SCPSs suffer from large form factors, unscalable fabrication, and material complexity. Herein, a type of highly stable, eco-friendly conductive inks based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) are developed for direct ink writing of multiple components in the SCPSs, including electrodes for miniaturized spacer-free triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) and microsupercapacitors (MSCs), and interconnects. The principle of “one ink, multiple functions” enables to almost fully print the entire SCPSs on the same paper substrate in a monolithic manner without post-integration. The monolithic fabrication significantly improves the upscaling capability for manufacturing and reduces the form factor of the entire SCPSs (a small footprint area of ≈2 cm × 3 cm and thickness of ≈1 mm). After pressing/releasing the TENGs for ≈79000 cycles, the 3-cell series-connected MSC array can be charged to 1.6 V while the 6-cell array to 3.0 V. On-paper SCPSs are promising to serve as lightweight, thin, sustainable, and low-cost power supplies. 

Herein, the fabrication of hybrid InP/Si 1.55 μm range photonic‐crystal surface‐emitting lasers (PCSELs) using micro‐transfer printing is reported on. This fabrication technology is expected to have important advantages in manufacturing, performance, and silicon integration, but it relies on a fine‐tuned process for selective etching, release, and subsequent printing of active InP membranes on top of a Si photonic‐crystal layer. Herein, the appropriate wet etching chemistry and processing methodology for preserved layer and interface integrity are discussed and the technology by optically pumped PCSELs is demonstrated, showing continuous‐wave operation at room temperature.

Quantum communication networks are used for QKD and metrological applications. We present research connecting two nodes ≈ 20 kilometers apart over the municipal fiber network using semiconductor quantum dots emitting at 1550 nm.

Quantum communication networks are used for QKD and metrological applications. We present research connecting two nodes ˜ 20 kilometers apart over the municipal fiber network using semiconductor quantum dots emitting at 1550 nm.

Quantum communication networks are used for QKD and metrological applications. We present research connecting two nodes ≈ 20 kilometers apart over the municipal fiber network using semiconductor quantum dots emitting at 1550 nm.

Quantum communication networks will connect future generations of quantum processors, enable metrological applications, and provide security through quantum key distribution. We present a testbed that is part of the municipal fiber network in the greater Stockholm metropolitan area for quantum resource distribution through a 20 km long fiber based on semiconductor quantum dots emitting in the telecom C-band. We utilize the service to generate random numbers passing the NIST test suite SP800-22 at a subscriber 8 km outside of the city with a bit rate of 23.4 kbit/s.