Toward triggered generation of indistinguishable single-photons from MoTe2 quantum emitters

Single-photon sources operating in the telecom band are fundamental components for long-distance optical quantum communication and information processing. Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) offer a promising platform for such sources, but their development has been hindered by limited spectral range and poor single-photon indistinguishability. Here, we demonstrate a reproducible and systematic approach for generating near-infrared (1090–1200 nm) quantum emitters in bilayer MoTe ₂ using deterministic strain and defect engineering. These emitters exhibit strong linear polarization (DOLP > 70 %), sub-nanosecond lifetimes (τ ≤ 450 ps), high single-photon purity (g ⁽²⁾ (0) < 0.1), and resolution-limited emission (~200 μeV). Electrostatic biasing enables Stark tuning over a ~3 meV range, reduced photon bunching, and significantly shortened radiative lifetimes, yielding narrow emission with ratios of experimental to transform-limited linewidths as low as R ~ 55. Most notably, two-photon interference measurements reveal a Hong-Ou-Mandel visibility of V _HOM ~ 10 %, and up to V _HOM ~ 40 % with post-selection by temporal filtering, representing the highest reported indistinguishability for any TMD quantum emitters and the first such demonstration in the near-infrared regime. These results establish MoTe ₂ as a viable platform for tunable, low-noise, high-purity single-photon sources with promising indistinguishability, paving the way for their integration into telecom-compatible quantum photonic technologies.