Tuning the electromagnetic local density of states in graphene-covered systems via strong coupling with graphene plasmons

TL;DR

This paper investigates how strong coupling between surface polaritons and graphene plasmons in graphene-SiC systems allows active tuning of the electromagnetic local density of states, with potential applications in nanophotonics.

Contribution

It demonstrates the controllable modification of the local density of states spectrum through strong coupling effects in graphene-covered systems.

Findings

Two peaks in the local density of states spectrum depend on distance and graphene's chemical potential.

Strong coupling enables active control of electromagnetic properties.

Spectrum can be tuned by adjusting system parameters.

Abstract

It is known that the near-field spectrum of the local density of states of the electromagnetic field above a SiC/air interface displays an intense narrow peak due to the presence of a surface polariton. It has been recently shown that this surface wave can be strongly coupled with the sheet plasmon of graphene in graphene-SiC heterosystems. Here, we explore the interplay between these two phenomena and demonstrate that the spectrum of the electromagnetic local density of states in these systems presents two peaks whose position depends dramatically both on the distance to the interface and on the chemical potential of graphene. This paves the way towards the active control of the local density of states.