Sub-wavelength localization of near-fields in coupled metallic spheres for single emitter polarization analysis

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how the polarization state of a single emitter can be selectively localized in specific regions of a plasmonic nano-cluster, enabling polarization analysis at the nanoscale.

Contribution

It introduces a novel nano-structure design that distinguishes multiple emitter polarization states through localized near-fields.

Findings

Distinct field localizations for different polarization states

Up to ten polarization states can be differentiated

Potential application in single emitter polarization sensing

Abstract

We numerically demonstrate selective near-field localization determined by the polarization state of a single emitter coupled to plasmonic nano-cluster. Seven gold nanospheres are carefully arranged such that up to ten polarization states of the single emitter, including linear, circular, and elliptical polarizations, can be distinguished via the distinct field localization in four gaps. The ability to transform polarization state into field spatial localization may find application for single emitter polarization analysis.