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Resonance Fluorescence of an InGaAs Quantum Dot in a Planar Cavity Using Orthogonal Excitation and Detection
Published on: October 13, 2017
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Single quantum dot controls a plasmonic cavity's scattering and anisotropy.
Thomas Hartsfield1, Wei-Shun Chang2, Seung-Cheol Yang1
1Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712; Center for Complex Quantum Systems, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712;
Summary
Researchers precisely positioned quantum dots near metallic nanoparticles to control light-matter interactions. This breakthrough enables enhanced quantum electrodynamics effects for quantum information applications using plasmonic cavities.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Plasmonics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Plasmonic cavities offer strong light-matter control via small mode volumes.
- Coupling light to quantum dots (QDs) in cavities is key for cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) and quantum information.
- Precise QD placement near nanostructures remains an experimental challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate light-matter interaction enhancement using a simple spherical metallic nanoparticle (MNP) as a plasmonic cavity.
- To demonstrate controlled positioning of a single semiconductor quantum dot (QD) near an MNP.
- To explore the impact of QD-MNP coupling on optical properties and potential for quantum applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized atomic force microscope (AFM) manipulation for precise QD positioning near the MNP.
- Studied the scattering spectrum of the MNP with and without the proximity of the QD.
- Analyzed Fano interference between plasmonic and excitonic resonances.
Main Results:
- Achieved controllable positioning of a single QD near a spherical MNP.
- Observed significant modification of the MNP's scattering spectrum due to QD coupling.
- Demonstrated Fano interference between MNP plasmon resonance and QD exciton resonance.
- Showed that a single QD can induce strong anisotropy in a spherical MNP.
Conclusions:
- Precise QD placement near plasmonic cavities is experimentally feasible.
- QD-MNP coupling leads to observable Fano interference and spectral modifications.
- Single quantum emitters can control the optical properties of plasmonic nanoparticles, paving the way for quantum plasmonic devices.
