`Deterministic' quantum plasmonics

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the deterministic launching and precise positioning of quantum surface-plasmon polaritons using a diamond nanocrystal with Nitrogen-Vacancy centers, advancing quantum plasmonics and nanophotonics.

Contribution

It introduces a method for deterministic, position-controlled quantum plasmon launching using a diamond nanocrystal with NV centers, enabling scanning quantum plasmonics.

Findings

Successful deterministic launching of quantum surface-plasmon polaritons.

Precise control of plasmon source positioning.

Potential for new applications in quantum plasmonics.

Abstract

We demonstrate `deterministic' launching of propagative quantum surface-plasmon polaritons at freely chosen positions on gold plasmonic receptacles. This is achieved by using as plasmon launcher a near-field scanning optical source made of a diamond nanocrystal with two Nitrogen-Vacancy color-center occupancy. Our demonstration relies on leakage-radiation microscopy of a thin homogeneous gold film and on near-field optical microscopy of a nanostructured thick gold film. Our work paves the way to future fundamental studies and applications in quantum plasmonics that require an accurate positioning of single-plasmon sources and may open a new branch in plasmonics and nanophotonics, namely scanning quantum plasmonics.