Single quantum dot coupled to a scanning optical antenna: a tunable superemitter

Phys Rev Lett. 2005 Jul 1;95(1):017402. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.95.017402. Epub 2005 Jun 28.

Abstract

The interaction of a single quantum dot with a bowtie antenna is demonstrated for visible light. The antenna is generated at the apex of a Si3N4 atomic force microscopy tip by focused ion beam milling. When scanned over the quantum dot, its photoluminescence is enhanced while its excited-state lifetime is decreased. Our observations demonstrate that the relaxation channels of a single quantum emitter can be controlled by coupling to an efficiently radiating metallic nanoantenna.