On-demand single-photon generation using a modular array of parametric downconverters with electro-optic polarization controls.

We describe a method for generating single photons on demand by means of a modular array of spontaneous parametric downconverters that are mediated by electro-optic polarization controls. Our scheme allows easy addition of downconverter modules to improve single-photon generation performance while simultaneously further suppressing multiphoton events. We estimate that a single-photon generation probability of over 60% per pulse with a multiphoton probability of 1% is achievable with currently available technology. This on-demand source may significantly improve the performance of quantum key distribution, quantum communication, and quantum computation systems.