Efficient mode conversion in an optical nanoantenna mediated by quantum emitters

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that integrating quantum emitters with asymmetric optical nanoantennas significantly boosts mode conversion efficiency, offering a robust method to improve nanoscale optical signal processing.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel approach of using quantum emitters to enhance mode conversion efficiency in optical nanoantennas, which was previously limited by low efficiency.

Findings

Quantum emitters dramatically increase conversion efficiency.

The process is robust against experimental tolerances.

Enhanced local density of states enables high-rate energy cycling.

Abstract

Converting signals between different electromagnetic modes is an asset for future information technologies. In general, slightly asymmetric optical nanoantennas enable the coupling between bright and dark modes sustained by an optical nanoantenna. However, the conversion efficiency might be very low. Here, we show that the additional incorporation of a quantum emitter allows to tremendously enhance this efficiency. The enhanced local density of states cycles the quantum emitter between its upper and lower level at an extremely hight rate; hence converting the energy very efficient. The process is robust with respect to possible experimental tolerances and adds a new ingredient to be exploited while studying and applying coupling phenomena in optical nanosystems.