Vortex radiation from a single emitter in a chiral plasmonic nanocavity

Area of Science:

• Quantum information science
• Nanophotonics
• Chiral optics

Background:

• Quantum emitters coupled with microcavities and plasmonic antennas enhance radiation efficiency and directivity.
• Generating complex radiation patterns, like vortex beams, from single emitters remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for generating vortex beams from single quantum emitters.
• To explore the use of chiral plasmonic nanocavities for advanced light manipulation.

Main Methods:

• Designing and fabricating a chiral plasmonic nanocavity.
• Embedding a single linear dipole emitter within the nanocavity.
• Investigating anomalous spontaneous emission and Purcell enhancement.

Main Results:

• The chiral plasmonic nanocavity generates a strong local chiral vacuum field at an exceptional point.
• A single emitter within the nanocavity radiates a vortex beam via anomalous spontaneous emission.
• Achieved a Purcell enhancement factor of up to ~1000 for the emitter.

Conclusions:

• The developed scheme enables nanoscale vortex beam generation from single emitters.
• This work offers a novel approach for field manipulation in chiral quantum optics.
• The findings pave the way for new types of nanoscale vortex lasers.