Nonradiating and radiating modes excited by quantum emitters in open epsilon-near-zero cavities

TL;DR

This paper explores how open epsilon-near-zero cavities can support nonradiating and radiating modes, enabling dynamic control of quantum emitter emission and interactions, which advances nanoscale light-matter interaction engineering.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of open ENZ cavities supporting nonradiating modes regardless of boundary shape, allowing dynamic switching between radiating and nonradiating states.

Findings

Open ENZ cavities support nonradiating modes independent of geometry.

Switching between radiating and nonradiating modes is possible.

Enhanced control over field trapping and emission in optical cavities.

Abstract

Controlling the emission and interaction properties of quantum emitters (QEs) embedded within an optical cavity is a key technique in engineering light-matter interactions at the nanoscale, as well as in the development of quantum information processing. State-of-the-art optical cavities are based on high Q photonics crystals and dielectric resonators. However, wealthier responses might be attainable with cavities carved in more exotic materials. Here, we theoretically investigate the emission and interaction properties of QEs embedded in open epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) cavities. Using analytical methods and numerical simulations, it is demonstrated that open ENZ cavities present the unique property of supporting nonradiating modes independently of the geometry of the external boundary of the cavity (shape, size, topology...). Moreover, the possibility of switching between radiating and nonradiating modes enables a dynamic control of both the emission by, and the interaction between, QEs. These phenomena provide unprecedented degrees of freedom in controlling and trapping fields within optical cavities, as well as in the design of cavity opto- and acousto-mechanical systems.