Modeling light-matter interactions in hybrid plasmonic materials is vital to their widening relevance from optoelectronics to photocatalysis. Here, we explore photoluminescence (PL) from ZnO nanorods (ZNRs) embedded with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). A progressive increase in Au NP concentration introduces significant structural disorder and defects in ZNRs, which paradoxically quenches defect related visible PL while intensifying the near band edge (NBE) emission. Under UV excitation, the simulated semi-classical model realizes PL from ZnO with sub-bandgap defect states, eliciting visible emissions that are absorbed by Au NPs to generate a non-equilibrium hot carrier distribution. The photo-stimulated hot carriers, transferred to ZnO, substantially modify its steady-state luminescence, reducing NBE emission lifetime and altering the abundance of ionized defect states, finally reducing visible emission. The simulations show that the change in the interfacial band bending at the Au-ZnO interface under optical illumination facilitates charge transfer between the components. This work provides a general foundation to observe and model the hot carrier dynamics and strong light-matter interactions in hybrid plasmonic systems.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0171078 | DOI Listing |
J Am Chem Soc
January 2025
Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States.
Precisely controlling quantum states is relevant in next-generation quantum computing, encryption, and sensing. Chiral organic chromophores host unique light-matter interactions, which allow them to manipulate the quantized circular polarization of photons. Axially chiral organic scaffolds, such as helicenes or twisted acenes, are powerful motifs in chiral light manipulation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe ability to significantly enhance near-field coupling between light and matter at the nanoscale is crucial for advancing the fields of nanophotonics and nanopolariotonics. However, conventional probes face challenges in achieving optimal light-matter interaction. In this study, we propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, simulation-based strategy that leverages tip engineering to dramatically amplify the scattering field through tailored double-layer geometries.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFQuantum backflow (QB), a counterintuitive interference phenomenon where particles with positive momentum can propagate backward, is important in applications involving light-matter interactions. To date, experimental demonstrations of backflow have been restricted to classical optical systems using techniques such as slit scanning or Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensing, which suffer from low spatial resolution due to the inherent limitations in slit width and lenslet array density. Here, we report an observation of azimuthal backflow (AB) both theoretically and experimentally by employing the weak measurement technique, which enables the precise extraction of photon momentum at each pixel.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFACS Appl Mater Interfaces
January 2025
Terahertz Research Center, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
Low-dimensional materials (LDMs) with unique electromagnetic properties and diverse local phenomena have garnered significant interest, particularly for their low-energy responses within the terahertz (THz) range. Achieving deep subwavelength resolution, THz nanoscopy offers a promising route to investigate LDMs at the nanoscale. Steady-state THz nanoscopy has been demonstrated as a powerful tool for investigating light-matter interactions across boundaries and interfaces, enabling insights into physical phenomena such as localized collective oscillations, quantum confinement of quasiparticles, and metal-to-insulator phase transitions (MITs).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Rep
January 2025
Terahertz Research Center, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China.
Strong light-matter coupling occurs when the rate of energy exchange between the electromagnetic mode and the molecular ensemble exceeds the competitive dissipation process. Coupled photon molecules with near-field light-matter interactions may produce new hybridized states when they reach the strong coupling region. Tunable Terahertz (THz) meta materials can be used to design sensors, optical modulators, etc.
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