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Resonance Fluorescence of an InGaAs Quantum Dot in a Planar Cavity Using Orthogonal Excitation and Detection
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Bloch Surface Wave-Coupled Emission from Quantum Dots by Ensemble and Single Molecule Spectroscopy
Krishanu Ray1, Ramachandram Badugu1, Joseph R Lakowicz1
1Center for Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 725 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States.
RSC Advances
|November 3, 2015
Summary
Quantum dots (QDs) show enhanced fluorescence on one-dimensional photonic crystals (1DPCs) with Bloch surface waves (BSWs). This interaction boosts emission intensity and shortens lifetime, suggesting applications in sensing and spectroscopy.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Materials Science
- Quantum Optics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- One-dimensional photonic crystals (1DPCs) exhibit unique optical properties due to their periodic dielectric structures.
- Photonic band gaps (PBGs) in 1DPCs can confine and manipulate light.
- Bloch surface waves (BSWs) are a type of surface-bound electromagnetic state that can exist at the interface of a 1DPC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spectral properties and spatial distribution of quantum dot (QD575) emission on a 1DPC substrate.
- To explore the interaction between quantum dots and Bloch surface waves (BSWs) on a 1DPC.
- To evaluate the potential of 1DPCs with BSW modes for applications in sensing and single-molecule spectroscopy.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 1DPC with a PBG tuned to the QD575 emission wavelength.
- Design of the 1DPC to support BSWs at the 1DPC-air interface.
- Angle-dependent photoluminescence measurements of QD575 emission.
- Confocal fluorescence microscopy and intensity-time trajectory analysis of single QD575 particles on 1DPC and glass substrates.
- Single-particle emission spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- A sharp angular emission peak consistent with BSW resonance was observed at 41° for QD575 emission.
- A significant increase in fluorescence intensity (over 10-fold) was observed for QD575 particles on the BSW-supporting 1DPC compared to a glass substrate.
- A substantial decrease in emission lifetime (4-fold reduction) was measured for QD575 on the 1DPC (∼4.8 ns) versus glass (∼18 ns).
- Single-particle emission spectra showed similar peak positions but dramatically enhanced intensity on the BSW substrate.
Conclusions:
- Quantum dots (QD575) exhibit strong interaction with Bloch surface waves (BSWs) on a 1DPC.
- The observed enhancement in fluorescence intensity and reduction in emission lifetime demonstrate the potential of 1DPCs with BSW modes.
- This study is the first to report single-particle fluorescence studies on a 1DPC substrate, highlighting its promise for advanced optical applications.
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