Lifetime reduction of a quantum emitter with quasiperiodic metamaterials

Abstract

Enhancement of light-matter interaction of a quantum emitter with subwavelength quasiperiodic metamaterials is proposed and demonstrated. The quasiperiodic metamaterials consist of subwavelength metal-dielectric multilayers, which are arranged into a Fibonacci lattice. The influence of Fibonacci metamaterials (FM) on the dipole emission is analyzed with a semiclassical model. The local density of states near FM is evaluated and a characteristic mode in higher wave numbers is revealed; a strong enhancement of the decay rate was predicted. A lifetime measurement is carried out and a reduction of lifetime of quantum dots on the surface of FM is observed. The enhancement of light-matter interaction arises from the localized latticelike state inherent for self-similar quasiperiodic order. © 2014 American Physical Society.