Hybrid plasmonic nano-emitters with controlled single quantum emitter positioning on the local excitation field

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a method to precisely position quantum dots near plasmonic nanoantennas using plasmon-triggered 2-photon polymerization, enabling polarization-sensitive control of single-photon emission.

Contribution

It introduces a novel technique for nanoscale placement of quantum emitters in hybrid plasmonic structures with polarization-dependent emission control.

Findings

Single quantum dots can be trapped near Au nanoparticles.

The hybrid nanoemitters exhibit polarization-sensitive emission states.

Single-photon switching is achieved based on polarization.

Abstract

Hybrid plasmonic nanoemitters based on the combination of quantum dot emitters (QD) and plasmonic nanoantennas open up new perspectives in the control of light. However, precise positioning of any active medium at the nanoscale constitutes a challenge. Here, we report on the optimal overlap of antenna's near-field and active medium whose spatial distribution is controlled via a plasmon-triggered 2-photon polymerization of a photosensitive formulation containing QDs. Au nanoparticles of various geometries are considered. The response of these hybrid nano-emitters is shown to be highly sensitive to the light polarization. Different light emission states are evidenced by photoluminescence measurements. These states correspond to polarization-sensitive nanoscale overlap between the exciting local field and the active medium distribution. The decrease of the QD concentration within the monomer formulation allows trapping of a single quantum dot in the vicinity of the Au particle. The latter objects show polarization-dependent switching in the single-photon regime.