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Barelli M, Vidal C, Fiorito S, Myslovska A, Cielecki D, Aglieri V, Moreels I, Sapienza R, Di Stasio F. Single-Photon Emitting Arrays by Capillary Assembly of Colloidal Semiconductor CdSe/CdS/SiO 2 Nanocrystals. ACS PHOTONICS 2023; 10:1662-1670. [PMID: 37215316 PMCID: PMC10197167 DOI: 10.1021/acsphotonics.3c00351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The controlled placement of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) onto planar surfaces is crucial for scalable fabrication of single-photon emitters on-chip, which are critical elements of optical quantum computing, communication, and encryption. The positioning of colloidal semiconductor NCs such as metal chalcogenides or perovskites is still challenging, as it requires a nonaggressive fabrication process to preserve the optical properties of the NCs. In this work, periodic arrays of 2500 nanoholes are patterned by electron beam lithography in a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin film on indium tin oxide/glass substrates. Colloidal core/shell CdSe/CdS NCs, functionalized with a SiO2 capping layer to increase their size and facilitate deposition into 100 nm holes, are trapped with a close to optimal Poisson distribution into the PMMA nanoholes via a capillary assembly method. The resulting arrays of NCs contain hundreds of single-photon emitters each. We believe this work paves the way to an affordable, fast, and practical method for the fabrication of nanodevices, such as single-photon-emitting light-emitting diodes based on colloidal semiconductor NCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Barelli
- Photonic
Nanomaterials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Cynthia Vidal
- The
Blackett Laboratory, Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Sergio Fiorito
- Photonic
Nanomaterials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alina Myslovska
- Department
of Chemistry, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dimitrie Cielecki
- The
Blackett Laboratory, Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Vincenzo Aglieri
- Photonic
Nanomaterials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Iwan Moreels
- Department
of Chemistry, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Riccardo Sapienza
- The
Blackett Laboratory, Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Francesco Di Stasio
- Photonic
Nanomaterials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
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2
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Abudayyeh H, Mildner A, Liran D, Lubotzky B, Lüder L, Fleischer M, Rapaport R. Overcoming the Rate-Directionality Trade-off: A Room-Temperature Ultrabright Quantum Light Source. ACS NANO 2021; 15:17384-17391. [PMID: 34664938 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c08591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Deterministic GHz-rate single photon sources at room temperature would be essential components for various quantum applications. However, both the slow intrinsic decay rate and the omnidirectional emission of typical quantum emitters are two obstacles toward achieving such a goal which are hard to overcome simultaneously. Here, we solve this challenge by a hybrid approach using a complex monolithic photonic resonator constructed of a gold nanocone responsible for the rate enhancement, enclosed by a circular Bragg antenna for emission directionality. A repeatable process accurately binds quantum dots to the tip of the antenna-embedded nanocone. As a result, we achieve simultaneous 20-fold emission rate enhancement and record-high directionality leading to an increase in the observed brightness by a factor as large as 800 (130) into an NA = 0.22(0.5). We project that these miniaturized on-chip devices can reach photon rates approaching 1.4 × 108 photons/s and pure single photon rates of >107 photons/second after temporal purification processes, thus enabling ultrafast light-matter interfaces for quantum technologies at ambient conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Abudayyeh
- Racah Institute of Physics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Annika Mildner
- Institute for Applied Physics and Center LISA+, University of Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Dror Liran
- Racah Institute of Physics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Boaz Lubotzky
- Racah Institute of Physics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Lars Lüder
- Institute for Applied Physics and Center LISA+, University of Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Monika Fleischer
- Institute for Applied Physics and Center LISA+, University of Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ronen Rapaport
- Racah Institute of Physics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Applied Physics Department, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
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3
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Schäfer C, Perera PN, Laible F, Olynick DL, Schwartzberg AM, Weber-Bargioni A, Cabrini S, Schuck PJ, Kern DP, Fleischer M. Selectively accessing the hotspots of optical nanoantennas by self-aligned dry laser ablation. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:19170-19177. [PMID: 32926034 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr04024j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Plasmonic nanostructures serve as optical antennas for concentrating the energy of incoming light in localized hotspots close to their surface. By positioning nanoemitters in the antenna hotspots, energy transfer is enabled, leading to novel hybrid antenna-emitter-systems, where the antenna can be used to manipulate the optical properties of the nano-objects. The challenge remains how to precisely position emitters within the hotspots. We report a self-aligned process based on dry laser ablation of a calixarene that enables the attachment of molecules within the electromagnetic hotspots at the tips of gold nanocones. Within the laser focus, the ablation threshold is exceeded in nanoscale volumes, leading to selective access of the hotspot areas. A first indication of the site-selective functionalization process is given by attaching fluorescently labelled proteins to the nanocones. In a second example, Raman-active molecules are selectively attached only to nanocones that were previously exposed in the laser focus, which is verified by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Enabling selective functionalization is an important prerequisite e.g. for preparing single photon sources for quantum optical technologies, or multiplexed Raman sensing platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Schäfer
- Institute for Applied Physics and Center LISA+, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Pradeep N Perera
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Building 67, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Florian Laible
- Institute for Applied Physics and Center LISA+, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Deirdre L Olynick
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Building 67, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Adam M Schwartzberg
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Building 67, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Alexander Weber-Bargioni
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Building 67, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Stefano Cabrini
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Building 67, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - P James Schuck
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Building 67, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Dieter P Kern
- Institute for Applied Physics and Center LISA+, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Monika Fleischer
- Institute for Applied Physics and Center LISA+, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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4
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Eschimèse D, Vaurette F, Mélin T, Arscott S. Precise tailoring of evaporated gold nanocones using electron beam lithography and lift-off. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 31:225302. [PMID: 32040944 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ab746e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The ability to fabricate nanocones with precise dimensions is essential for several emerging applications. We demonstrate here a method which can be used to fabricate arrays of gold nanocones with high dimensional precision using lithographic and lift-off means. electron beam (ebeam) writing of a spin-coated PMMA-based bilayer resist deposited onto silicon wafers is used to form a shadow mask. This mask gradually closes as the deposition of gold (using ebeam evaporation) proceeds-the result is arrays of gold nanocones on the silicon wafer surface after lift-off of the resist. Observations using scanning electron microscopy enable a statistical study of the dimensions of 360 gold nanocones-the results demonstrate the high precision of the nanocones dimensions. The fabrication process enables the creation of arrays of nanocones with a base diameter varying from 53.6 ± 2.1 nm to 94.1 ± 2.4 nm, a vertical height ranging from 71.3 ± 4.1 nm to 153.4 ± 3.4 nm, and an apex radius of curvature ranging from 8.4 ± 1.2 nm to 11.6 ± 1.5 nm. The results are compared with the predictions of a deposition model which considers the evolving shadow masking during the gold deposition to compute the nanocone profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Eschimèse
- Institut d'Electronique, de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie (IEMN), CNRS, The University of Lille, Cité Scientifique, 59652, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France. Horiba France SAS, 231 Rue de Lille, 59650, Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France
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5
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Fulmes J, Schäfer C, Kern DP, Adam PM, Fleischer M. Relative spectral tuning of the vertical versus base modes in plasmonic nanocones. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 30:415201. [PMID: 31339108 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ab2d5c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Gold nanocones acting as optical antennas offer an excellent geometry for focusing light near the cone tip, acting as nano-light sources with spot sizes on the order of the tip radius. However only the vertical plasmon mode oscillating in the axial direction can effectively excite the tip, whereas lateral modes oscillating along the cone base create mostly unwanted background in applications. The present work investigates the three-dimensional plasmonic mode structure of nanocones both experimentally and numerically. By tuning the nanocone aspect ratio, the modes can be spectrally tuned relative to each other, making them coincide for maximum excitation, or tuning the base mode away from the vertical mode for effective background suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Fulmes
- Institute for Applied Physics and Center LISA+, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 10 and 15, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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6
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Dreser C, Gollmer DA, Bautista G, Zang X, Kern DP, Kauranen M, Fleischer M. Plasmonic mode conversion in individual tilted 3D nanostructures. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:5429-5440. [PMID: 30855057 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr10254f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We investigate mode conversion in 3D asymmetric nanocones using angle-dependent linear optical spectroscopy and second-harmonic generation microscopy supported by corresponding simulations. The results prove the efficient excitation of the plasmonic out-of-plane mode that enhances the electric near-field at the sharp tip. Furthermore, we introduce two advanced fabrication processes including either etch mask transfer by tilted etching into a metallic layer or tilted electron-beam lithography followed by tilted evaporation and lift-off. These processes enable the fabrication of tilted nanostructures which can be optimized for a given purpose. The combination of the optical properties and the introduced fabrication processes enables a new design of plasmonic nanostructures for ultra-compact sensors or photon sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Dreser
- Institute for Applied Physics, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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7
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Heffernan AH, Greentree AD, Gibson BC. Nanodiamond arrays on glass for quantification and fluorescence characterisation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9252. [PMID: 28835622 PMCID: PMC5569055 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09457-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantifying the variation in emission properties of fluorescent nanodiamonds is important for developing their wide-ranging applicability. Directed self-assembly techniques show promise for positioning nanodiamonds precisely enabling such quantification. Here we show an approach for depositing nanodiamonds in pre-determined arrays which are used to gather statistical information about fluorescent lifetimes. The arrays were created via a layer of photoresist patterned with grids of apertures using electron beam lithography and then drop-cast with nanodiamonds. Electron microscopy revealed a 90% average deposition yield across 3,376 populated array sites, with an average of 20 nanodiamonds per site. Confocal microscopy, optimised for nitrogen vacancy fluorescence collection, revealed a broad distribution of fluorescent lifetimes in agreement with literature. This method for statistically quantifying fluorescent nanoparticles provides a step towards fabrication of hybrid photonic devices for applications from quantum cryptography to sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh H Heffernan
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, 3001, Australia.
| | - Andrew D Greentree
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, 3001, Australia
| | - Brant C Gibson
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, 3001, Australia
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8
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Beltran Madrigal J, Tellez-Limon R, Gardillou F, Barbier D, Geng W, Couteau C, Salas-Montiel R, Blaize S. Hybrid integrated optical waveguides in glass for enhanced visible photoluminescence of nanoemitters. APPLIED OPTICS 2016; 55:10263-10268. [PMID: 28059238 DOI: 10.1364/ao.55.010263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Integrated optical devices able to control light-matter interactions on the nanoscale have attracted the attention of the scientific community in recent years. However, most of these devices are based on silicon waveguides, limiting their use for telecommunication wavelengths. In this contribution, we propose an integrated device that operates with light in the visible spectrum. The proposed device is a hybrid structure consisting of a high-refractive-index layer placed on top of an ion-exchanged glass waveguide. We demonstrate that this hybrid structure serves as an efficient light coupler for the excitation of nanoemitters. The numerical and experimental results show that the device can enhance the electromagnetic field confinement up to 11 times, allowing a higher photoluminescence signal from nanocrystals placed on its surface. The designed device opens new perspectives in the generation of new optical devices suitable for quantum information or for optical sensing.
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9
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Dey S, Zhao J. Plasmonic Effect on Exciton and Multiexciton Emission of Single Quantum Dots. J Phys Chem Lett 2016; 7:2921-9. [PMID: 27411778 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.6b01164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Quantum dots are nanoscale quantum emitters with high quantum yield and size-dependent emission wavelength, holding promises in many optical and electronic applications. When quantum dots are situated close to noble metal nanoparticles, their emitting behavior can be conveniently tuned because of the interaction between the excitons of the quantum dots and the plasmons of the metal nanoparticles. This interaction at the single quantum dot level gives rise to reduced or suppressed photoluminescence blinking and enhanced multiexciton emission, which is difficult to achieve in isolated quantum dots. However, the mechanism of how plasmonic structures cause the changes in the quantum dot emission remains unclear. Because of the complexity of the system, the interfaces between metal, semiconductor, and ligands must be considered, in addition to factors such as geometry, interparticle distance, and spectral overlap. The challenges in the design and fabrication of the hybrid nanostructures as well as in understanding the exciton-plasmon coupling mechanism can be overcome by a cooperative effort in synthesis, optical spectroscopy, and theoretical modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swayandipta Dey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut , 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3060, United States
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut , 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3060, United States
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10
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Tugchin BN, Janunts N, Steinert M, Dietrich K, Sivun D, Ramachandran S, Nerkararyan KV, Tünnermann A, Pertsch T. Controlling the excitation of radially polarized conical plasmons in plasmonic tips in liquids. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra09341h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The plasmonic tip's emission can be controlled in liquids depending on the wetting condition and the refractive index of liquids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayarjargal N. Tugchin
- Institute of Applied Physics
- Abbe Center of Photonics
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
- 07743 Jena
- Germany
| | - Norik Janunts
- Institute of Applied Physics
- Abbe Center of Photonics
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
- 07743 Jena
- Germany
| | - Michael Steinert
- Institute of Applied Physics
- Abbe Center of Photonics
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
- 07743 Jena
- Germany
| | - Kay Dietrich
- Institute of Applied Physics
- Abbe Center of Photonics
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
- 07743 Jena
- Germany
| | - Dmitry Sivun
- Institute of Applied Physics
- Abbe Center of Photonics
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
- 07743 Jena
- Germany
| | - Siddharth Ramachandran
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Photonics Center
- Boston University
- Boston
- USA
| | | | - Andreas Tünnermann
- Institute of Applied Physics
- Abbe Center of Photonics
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
- 07743 Jena
- Germany
| | - Thomas Pertsch
- Institute of Applied Physics
- Abbe Center of Photonics
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
- 07743 Jena
- Germany
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11
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Meixner AJ, Jäger R, Jäger S, Bräuer A, Scherzinger K, Fulmes J, Krockhaus SZO, Gollmer DA, Kern DP, Fleischer M. Coupling single quantum dots to plasmonic nanocones: optical properties. Faraday Discuss 2015; 184:321-37. [PMID: 26404008 DOI: 10.1039/c5fd00074b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Coupling a single quantum emitter, such as a fluorescent molecule or a quantum dot (QD), to a plasmonic nanostructure is an important issue in nano-optics and nano-spectroscopy, relevant for a wide range of applications, including tip-enhanced near-field optical microscopy, plasmon enhanced molecular sensing and spectroscopy, and nanophotonic amplifiers or nanolasers, to mention only a few. While the field enhancement of a sharp nanoantenna increasing the excitation rate of a very closely positioned single molecule or QD has been well investigated, the detailed physical mechanisms involved in the emission of a photon from such a system are, by far, less investigated. In one of our ongoing research projects, we try to address these issues by constructing and spectroscopically analysing geometrically simple hybrid heterostructures consisting of sharp gold cones with single quantum dots attached to the very tip apex. An important goal of this work is to tune the longitudinal plasmon resonance by adjusting the cones' geometry to the emission maximum of the core-shell CdSe/ZnS QDs at nominally 650 nm. Luminescence spectra of the bare cones, pure QDs and hybrid systems were distinguished successfully. In the next steps we will further investigate, experimentally and theoretically, the optical properties of the coupled systems in more detail, such as the fluorescence spectra, blinking statistics, and the current results on the fluorescence lifetimes, and compare them with uncoupled QDs to obtain a clearer picture of the radiative and non-radiative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred J Meixner
- Center for Light-Matter Interaction, Sensors & Analytics (LISA+), Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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