Controlling collective spontaneous emission with plasmonic waveguides

Area of Science:

• Quantum Optics and Photonics
• Plasmonics
• Quantum Information Science

Background:

• Controlling collective spontaneous emission from quantum emitters is crucial for quantum technologies.
• Plasmonic nanostructures offer unique electromagnetic field confinement and manipulation capabilities.
• Epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials and Fabry-Pérot resonances can significantly alter light-matter interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a plasmonic route for controlling the collective spontaneous emission of two-level quantum emitters.
• To investigate superradiance and subradiance effects in plasmonic nanochannels.
• To explore the potential applications in quantum entanglement, nanolasers, and sensors.

Main Methods:

• Utilized plasmonic nanochannels as waveguides for quantum emitters.
• Investigated the role of epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) operation and Fabry-Pérot resonances.
• Analyzed the enhancement of constructive (superradiance) and destructive (subradiance) interference.

Main Results:

• Observed superradiance and subradiance effects over distances comparable to the operating wavelength.
• Plasmonic waveguides enhanced constructive and destructive interference between emitters.
• Increased number of emitters enhanced superradiance at ENZ operation, boosting emission rate.

Conclusions:

• Plasmonic nanochannels provide effective control over collective spontaneous emission.
• Dynamic control of superradiant and subradiant modes is achievable by tuning emitter separation and wavelength.
• This approach holds promise for advancements in quantum entanglement, nanolasers, and sensing applications.