Quantum plamonics

When light illuminates nano-sized metallic structures, the free electrons in the metal collectively oscillate, creating 'plasmons'. Nanoplasmonics have found extensive applications for enhanced sensing, non-linear processes and chemical reactions. By specifically designing the geometry and arrangement of the nano-metallic structures, one can direct and concentrate light at small enough volumes to enclose even single molecules or quantum emitters.

Quantum emitters placed within these small volumes, absorb the plasmons to excite electrons at higher-energy states. Hence, the light (plasmon) and quantum emitters (matter) continuously exchange energy. Using plasmons, one can control how quickly the energy exchange occurs, and tailor the properties of the combined system (essential for building most quantum devices). Although experimental developments have progressed very rapidly, theoretical understanding as to the mechanism that leads to this behaviour has lagged behind.

With this project, I aim to create the necessary theoretical models that allow us to understand and map the dynamics of such systems, with the ultimate aim to design future nanoplasmonic systems with optimum behaviour. I will start with nanoplasmonic systems that are currently used experimentally (such as nanoparticle on mirror - NPoM - a gold nanoparticle placed within a few nanometers of metallic substrate), and eventually propose new nanoplasmonic designs with optimum properties. Such systems have the potential to create the next generation quantum devices at room temperature, liberating them from complex cooling techniques.