Ultrafast coherent energy transfer with high efficiency based on plasmonic nanostructures

Area of Science:

• Plasmonics
• Quantum dynamics
• Molecular interactions

Background:

• Energy transfer between molecules is crucial for many photochemical processes.
• Plasmonic nanostructures offer unique environments for enhancing light-matter interactions.
• Understanding energy transfer dynamics in these systems is key for developing advanced materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a theoretical framework for energy transfer dynamics between donor-acceptor molecules in plasmonic hot spots.
• To investigate the role of quantum coherence in modulating energy transfer efficiency and speed.
• To analyze the physical origins of enhanced energy transfer in such systems.

Main Methods:

• Master equation approach to model quantum dynamics.
• Electromagnetic Green's tensor technique for plasmonic interactions.
• Hydrodynamic model to incorporate nonlocal effects.

Main Results:

• Developed a theory for energy transfer dynamics in plasmonic hot spots.
• Demonstrated that molecular coupling strength can exceed dissipation due to quantum coherence.
• Observed significant improvement in energy transfer efficiency and reduction in transfer time (to femtoseconds).

Conclusions:

• Quantum coherence plays a vital role in ultrafast and highly efficient energy transfer.
• The developed model provides insights into controlling energy transfer in nanostructured systems.
• This mechanism holds promise for applications in artificial light-harvesting devices.