DNA Nanotechnology for Superradiance

Abstract

Superradiance, first proposed by Dicke in 1954, is a highly efficient quantum light source that differs from conventional spontaneous emission. Unlike typical spontaneous emission, where intensity scales linearly with the number of electric dipoles, superradiance exhibits an intensity that scales quadratically with the number of electric dipoles. Similarly, the decay rate also increases proportionally to the dipole numbers. This collective emission is especially powerful when it manifests as superfluorescence, a physical regime of superradiance where spontaneously emerging coherence is achieved by arranging excited dipoles in the same orientation within a volume much smaller than their emission wavelength. Numerous experimental strategies have been employed to generate superradiance, with one common approach being the use of stochastically formed aggregates of quantum dots and organic dyes. However, the inherent randomness in such systems prevents precise control over the number, spatial distribution, and relative orientation of the emitters. This often leads to non-uniform coupling strengths and parasitic dephasing effects, which make it difficult to predict the resulting quantum emission and limit its use in engineered devices. A deterministic platform that provides precise control over these parameters is therefore essential for realizing the full potential of superradiant systems. Here, we (i) specifically outline the advantages of DNA nanotechnology in tackling this challenge, (ii) discuss the reasons why superradiance has not yet been realized even with the state-of-the art DNA nanotechnology, and (iii) propose potential solutions for overcoming the current limitations.