An antenna model for the Purcell effect.

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Electromagnetism
• Classical electrodynamics

Background:

• The Purcell effect describes altered spontaneous emission rates of quantum emitters due to resonant cavities.
• Classical antennas also exhibit environmental effects on their radiation, analogous to quantum emitters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a general, classical electrodynamics-based approach for calculating Purcell factors.
• To extend the calculation to include both electric and magnetic Purcell factors across various frequency ranges.

Main Methods:

• Exploiting the analogy between quantum emitters and classical antennas with radiative losses.
• Modeling the environment's effect on radiation resistance.
• Developing a general equivalent circuit scheme.

Main Results:

• A unified approach to calculating Purcell factors using classical antenna theory.
• The ability to compute both electric and magnetic Purcell factors.
• Demonstration through an equivalent circuit model.

Conclusions:

• The classical antenna radiation resistance provides a powerful analogy for understanding and calculating the Purcell effect.
• This approach offers a versatile framework for analyzing Purcell factors in diverse electromagnetic environments.