Fluorescence coupling to plasmonic nanoparticles

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the controlled placement of metal nanoparticles influences the fluorescence properties of quantum dots, revealing polarization-dependent coupling effects through experimental and simulated analysis.

Contribution

It demonstrates the ability to analyze and understand polarization-dependent fluorescence coupling between metal nanoparticles and quantum dots using controlled spatial arrangements.

Findings

Fluorescence spectrum modifications observed

Lifetime changes correlated with nanoparticle coupling

Good agreement between experimental results and simulations

Abstract

The combination of single photon emitters (quantum dots) and tailored metal nanoparticles with defined size and shape allows a detailed study of the interaction between light and matter. The enhanced optical near-field of the nanoparticles can strongly influence the absorption and emission of nearby fluorescent quantum dots. We show that a controlled spatial arrangement enables the analysis and understanding of polarization dependent coupling between a metal nanoparticle and few or single fluorescent quantum dots. Modifications in the fluorescence spectrum and lifetime are analyzed and compare well with simulations.