Plasmon-enhanced generation of non-classical light

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent advances in plasmon-enhanced quantum light sources, focusing on nanostructures and devices that enable strong light-matter interactions at the single-photon level for quantum technologies.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of experimental and theoretical progress in plasmonic quantum light generation and discusses future challenges in device design.

Findings

Advances in nanostructure design for quantum light emission

Demonstrations of single-photon level plasmonic devices

Identification of key challenges for practical quantum plasmonics

Abstract

Strong light-matter interactions enabled by surface plasmons have given rise to a wide range of photonic, optoelectronic and chemical functionalities. In recent years, the interest in this research area has focused on the quantum regime, aiming to developing ultra-compact nanoscale instruments operating at the single (few) photon(s) level. In this perspective, we provide a general overview of recent experimental and theoretical advances as well as near-future challenges towards the design and implementation of plasmon-empowered quantum optical and photo-emitting devices based on the building blocks of nanophotonics technology: metallo-dielectric nanostructures and microscopic light sources.