An overview on plasmon-enhanced photoluminescence via metallic nanoantennas

Abstract

In the realm of nanotechnology, the integration of quantum emitters with plasmonic nanostructures has emerged as an innovative pathway for applications in quantum technologies, sensing, and imaging. This research paper provides a comprehensive exploration of the photoluminescence enhancement induced by the interaction between quantum emitters and tailored nanostructure configurations. Four canonical nanoantennas (spheres, rods, disks, and crescents) are systematically investigated theoretically in three distinct configurations (single, gap, and nanoparticle-on-mirror nanoantennas), as a representative selection of the most fundamental and commonly studied structures and arrangements. A detailed analysis reveals that the rod gap nanoantenna configuration achieves the largest photoluminescence enhancement factor, of up to three orders of magnitude. The study presented here provides insights for the strategic design of plasmonic nanoantennas in the visible and near-IR spectral range, offering a roadmap for these structures to meet specific requirements in plasmon-enhanced fluorescence. Key properties such as the excitation rate, the quantum yield, the enhanced emitted power, or the directionality of the emission are thoroughly reviewed. The results of this overview contribute not only to the fundamental understanding of plasmon-enhanced emission of quantum emitters but also set the basis for the development of advanced nanophotonic devices with enhanced functionalities.