Interfacing quantum emitters with propagating surface acoustic waves

In this topical review, we report on recent advances on the coupling of single semiconductor quantum emitters, quantum dots, to the dynamic strain and electric fields of surface acoustic waves. Quantum dots are atom-like optically addressable two-level systems embedded in semiconductor matrices. On the one hand, the occupancy states of these 'artificial atoms' can be programmed by spatio-temporal carrier dynamics driven by sound waves. On the other hand, the quantized energy levels of electrons and holes couple strongly to the mechanical strain of these waves. We present an overview of the fundamental coupling mechanisms, experimental techniques to probe these systems in the time domain, and recent hallmark experiments. We discuss emerging research themes including hybrid architectures comprising advanced LiNbO3 SAW devices and single quantum dot devices of nanowire-based quantum emitters, and sound-driven control of light-matter interaction between single photons in nanophotonic resonators and two-level quantum dot systems.