Quantum coherence-assisted propagation of surface plasmon polaritons

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how quantum coherence can be used to control and enhance the propagation of surface plasmon polaritons on metallic surfaces, enabling lossless or longer-range propagation at various wavelengths.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical method to use quantum coherence to achieve lossless or extended propagation of surface plasmon polaritons on metal surfaces.

Findings

Achieves lossless SPP propagation with quantum coherence.

Enhances SPP propagation length by an order of magnitude.

Provides optical control over SPP dynamics.

Abstract

We theoretically demonstrate coherent control over propagation of surface plasmon polaritons(SPP), at both telecommunication and visible wavelengths, on a metallic surface adjacent to quantum coherence (phaseonium) medium composed of three-level quantum emitters (semiconductor quantum dots, atoms, rare-earth ions, etc.) embedded in a dielectric host. The coherent drive allows us to provide sufficient gain for lossless SPP propagation and also lowers the pumping requirements. In case of lossy propagation, an order of magnitude enhancement in propagation length can be achieved. Optical control over SPP propagation dynamics via an external coherent drive holds promise for quantum control in the field of nanophotonics.