Coupling of individual quantum emitters to channel plasmons

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the efficient coupling of a single quantum emitter, specifically a nitrogen vacancy center, to channel plasmon polaritons in a V-groove plasmonic waveguide, advancing integrated quantum photonics.

Contribution

It provides both theoretical and experimental evidence of coupling quantum emitters to plasmonic waveguides, achieving 42% emission coupling efficiency, a significant step for on-chip quantum systems.

Findings

42% emission coupling efficiency into waveguide modes

Theoretical simulations identify optimal emitter position and orientation

Experimental validation of coupling in a V-groove plasmonic waveguide

Abstract

Efficient light-matter interaction lies at the heart of many emerging technologies that seek on-chip integration of solid-state photonic systems. Plasmonic waveguides, which guide the radiation in the form of strongly confined surface plasmon-polariton modes, represent a promising solution to manipulate single photons in coplanar architectures with unprecedented small footprints. Here we demonstrate coupling of the emission from a single quantum emitter to the channel plasmon polaritons supported by a V-groove plasmonic waveguide. Extensive theoretical simulations enable us to determine the position and orientation of the quantum emitter for optimum coupling. Concomitantly with these predictions, we demonstrate experimentally that 42% of a single nitrogen vacancy centre emission efficiently couples into the supported modes of the V-groove. This work paves the way towards practical realization of efficient and long distance transfer of energy for integrated solid-state quantum systems.