Semi-empirical quantum optics for mid-infrared molecular nanophotonics

Area of Science:

• Quantum Optics
• Nanophotonics
• Molecular Spectroscopy

Background:

• Nanoscale infrared (IR) resonators enable cavity quantum electrodynamics at room temperature.
• IR nanoantennas and tip nanoprobes facilitate strong light-matter coupling for molecular vibrations.
• Mid-IR femtosecond laser pulses drive quantum phenomena in nanophotonic systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a semi-empirical quantum optics methodology for light-matter interactions in mid-IR nanophotonics.
• To provide a theoretical framework for manipulating vibrational strong coupling and Fano interference.
• To develop design rules for infrared nanophotonic hardware.

Main Methods:

• A semi-empirical quantum optics methodology based on quantum optics.
• Modeling light-matter interaction in systems driven by mid-IR femtosecond laser pulses.
• Applying quantum framework to design rules for tip-based nanophotonic systems.

Main Results:

• The theory reproduces experimental acceleration of vibrational relaxation rates.
• Physical insights into coherent phase rotations of the near-field using nanotips.
• Demonstrated manipulation of vibrational strong coupling and Fano interference effects.

Conclusions:

• The proposed quantum theory is computationally efficient and equivalent to first-principles methods.
• Enables rapid design of strongly coupled infrared nanophotonic hardware.
• Applications in quantum control of materials and quantum information processing.