Quantum Emitters near Layered Plasmonic Nanostructures: Decay Rate Contributions

Abstract

We introduce a numerical framework for calculating decay rate contributions when excited two-level quantum emitters are located near layered plasmonic nanostructures, particularly emphasizing the case of plasmonic nanostructures atop metal substrates where three decay channels exist: free space radiation, Ohmic losses, and excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs). The calculation of decay rate contributions is based on Huygen's equivalence principle together with a near-field to far-field transformation of the local electric field, thereby allowing us to discern the part of the electromagnetic field associated with free propagating waves rather than SPPs. The methodology is applied to the case of an emitter inside and near a gap-plasmon resonator, emphasizing strong position and orientation dependencies of the total decay rate, contributions of different decay channels, radiation patterns, and directivity of SPP excitation.