Nanoscale Imaging with a Single Quantum Dot

Abstract

The ability to optically image with nanometer resolution is essential for understanding the electromagnetic properties of nanoscopic objects. The most common methods for performing nanoscale imaging are based on near-field scanning optical microscopy, which utilizes a tapered probe that can add unwanted distortion to images. Such distortion can be eliminated by probing with an isolated, point-like emitter. Here we present a method for performing nanoscale imaging using a deterministically positioned single quantum dot (QD). The QD is manipulated to nanoscale precision by microfluidic flow control, which does not require the use of macroscopic manipulators. We use this technique to image the surface plasmon polariton (SPP) mode of a silver nanowire with resolution as fine as 10 nm by monitoring the coupling efficiency into the wire mode. The measured field distribution reveals nanoscale features such as localized modes at the wire ends and interference in the propagating SPP waves.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 19, 2011
Accession Number
ADA581052

Entities

People

  • Benjamin Shapiro
  • Chad Ropp
  • Edo Waks
  • John T. Fourkas
  • Sanghee Nah
  • Zachary Cummins

Organizations

  • University of Maryland

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Bessel Functions
  • Chemistry
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Fluids
  • Images
  • Materials Science
  • Measurement
  • Metallic Nanoparticles
  • Military Research
  • Nanoparticles
  • Nanotechnology
  • Near Field
  • Optical Properties
  • Quantum Dots
  • Surface Plasmon Polaritons
  • Surface Plasmons

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Nanoscale Plasmonic Nanotechnology
  • Quantum Dot Semiconductor Device Photonics and Graphene Optoelectronic Materials and THz Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Quantum Computing