Optimizing efficiency of single-photon emission from defect-based quantum emitters

Photons are natural carriers of quantum information, and the production of single photons in a well-defined quantum state is an essential component of quantum networks. Defects in semiconductors are a promising platform to realize such single-photon emission. An ideal single-photon emitter would produce photons at telecom wavelengths, thus enabling the use of fiber optics that are optimized to have low loss for long-distance transmission at these wavelengths. However, nonradiative processes due to electron-phonon coupling are enhanced at large wavelengths (small energies), and the efficiency of emission is reduced as a result. In this work, we develop a model that captures the essential role of electron-phonon coupling in defect-based emitters. We discuss how much inefficiency can be tolerated and methods to improve the efficiency.