Triggered source of single photons based on controlled single molecule fluorescence

We use the method of adiabatic following to prepare a single molecule in it s fluorescing excited state. Spontaneous emission from this state gives ris e to a single photon. With our current experimental conditions, up to 74% o f the sweeps lead to the emission of a single photon. Since the adiabatic p assage is done on command, the molecule performs as a high rate source of t riggered photons. The experimental results are in quantitative agreement wi th quantum Monte Carlo simulations.