Investigation of dye molecules for single-photon generation

Summary form only given. Summary from only given. We are trying to develop high efficiency sources of single photons for quantum optics applications. We aim to do this by isolating single dye molecules thus limiting our maximum emission per pump pulse to a single photon. We show that a single dye molecule can be used for single-photon generation. However, dye molecules have problems with photostability. The molecules undergo irreversible bleaching after approximately 10/sup 5/ to 10/sup 6/ photon emissions.