Deterministic nano-manipulation and immobilization of single quantum dots

Quantum dots (QDs) are robust single photon emitters with a broad range of application in quantum information processing [1]. There is currently great interest in interacting QDs with nanophotonic structures such as photonic crystals for creating novel quantum devices [2]. For these applications it is essential that the QD with the correct spectral properties be placed in the high field region of the nanophotonic device [3]. A reliable technique for positioning individual QDs with desired properties at the correct location (e.g. a cavity mode) requires the ability to perform particle manipulation. Here we demonstrate a method to manipulate and immobilize preselected single colloidal QDs with nanometer precision by controlling the flow of the surrounding liquid via feedback.