Excitation of plasmonic nanoantennas with nonresonant and resonant electron tunnelling

TL;DR

This paper develops a comprehensive theory for photon emission during inelastic tunnelling in plasmonic nanoantennas, showing that incorporating resonant tunnelling structures significantly boosts excitation efficiency, advancing nanoplasmonic circuit technology.

Contribution

A rigorous theoretical framework for photon emission in inelastic tunnelling of plasmonic nanoantennas, highlighting the enhancement via resonant tunnelling structures.

Findings

Resonant tunnelling increases excitation efficiency by orders of magnitude.

Resonant tunnelling structures can serve as key elements in nanoplasmonic circuits.

The developed theory provides insights into improving electrically-driven plasmonic devices.

Abstract

A rigorous theory of photon emission accompanied inelastic tunnelling inside the gap of plasmonic nanoantennas has been developed. The disappointingly low efficiency of the electrical excitation of surface plasmon polaritons in these structures can be increased by orders of magnitude when a resonant tunnelling structure is incorporated inside the gap. Resonant tunnelling assisted surface plasmon emitter may become a key element in future electrically-driven nanoplasmonic circuits.