  Quantum technologies that rely on photonic qubits require a precise
controllability of their properties. For this purpose hybrid approaches are
particularly attractive because they offer a large flexibility to address
different aspects of the photonic degrees of freedom. When combining photonics
with other quantum platforms like phonons, quantum transducers have to be
realized that convert between the mechanical and optical domain. Here, we
realize this interface between phonons in the form of surface acoustic waves
(SAWs) and single photons, mediated by a single semiconductor quantum dot
exciton. In this combined theoretical and experimental study, we show that the
different sidebands exhibit characteristic blinking dynamics that can be
controlled by detuning the laser from the exciton transition. By developing
analytical approximations we gain a better understanding of the involved
internal dynamics. Our specific SAW approach allows us to reach the ideal
frequency range of around 1 GHz that enables simultaneous temporal and spectral
phonon sideband resolution close to the combined fundamental time-bandwidth
limit.

Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics;Optics