Nanometer positioning of single quantum dots by flow control

Abstract

We present a method to individually position single QDs with nanometer precision by electroosmotic flow control (EOFC). Using EOFC, we demonstrate the ability to individually select a QD from anywhere within a 100 µ µ µ µm control area inside a microfluidic chamber and place it at a desired position to with a 52 nm precision. The single photon emission of EOFC manipulated QDs is verified by photon anti-bunching. These results demonstrate, for the first time, the ability to position single QDs to nanometer position accuracy in a microfluidic environment. Such capability opens up the possibility for controllable placement of QDs in nanophotonic structures for the development of complex quantum devices, as well as in situ study of QDs for biological and sensing applications.