Efficient coupling of single photons to single plasmons

Opt Express. 2010 Jun 21;18(13):13829-35. doi: 10.1364/OE.18.013829.

Abstract

We demonstrate strong coupling of single photons emitted by individual molecules at cryogenic and ambient conditions to individual nanoparticles. We provide images obtained both in transmission and reflection, where an efficiency greater than 55% was achieved in converting incident narrow-band photons to plasmon-polaritons (plasmons) of a silver nanoparticle. Our work paves the way to spectroscopy and microscopy of nano-objects with sub-shot noise beams of light and to triggered generation of single plasmons and electrons in a well-controlled manner.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Interferometry / methods*
  • Lasers
  • Metal Nanoparticles*
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Photons
  • Quantum Theory*
  • Silver
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance / methods*

Substances

  • Silver