Attempting to implement quantum information related applications utilizing atoms and photons, as they naturally form quantum systems supporting superposition states, hybrid quantum plasmonic systems emerged in the past as a platform to study and engineer light-matter interaction. This platform combines the unrivaled electromagnetic field localization of surface plasmon polaritons, boosting the light-matter coupling rate, with the tremendous integration potential of truly nanoscale structures, and both the significant emission rates of nanoantennas and photonic transmission velocities. In this work, a classical description of surface plasmon polaritons is combined with a light-matter interaction model based on a cavity quantum electrodynamical formalism. The resulting composite semi-classical method, introduced and described in this thesis, provides efficient and versatile means to simulate the dynamical behavior of radiative atomic transitions coupled to plasmonic cavity modes in the weak incoherent coupling regime. Both the emission into the far field and various dissipation mechanisms are included by expanding the model to an open quantum system. The variety of light-matter interaction applications that can be modeled with the outlined method is indicated by the four different exemplary scenarios detailed in the application chapter of this thesis. The classical description of localized surface plasmon polaritons is benchmarked by reproducing the experimental measurements of the molecular fluorescence manipulation through optical nanoantennas in a collaborative effort with experimental partners. Furthermore, in the weak light-matter coupling regime, the potential of achieving a higher nanoantenna functionality and simultaneously realizing more elaborate quantum dynamics is revealed by the three remaining applications. Each pivotally involving a bimodal nanoantenna and demonstrating different quantum optical phenomena, the implementation of cavity radiation mode conversion, non-classical cavity emission statistics, and non-classical cavity emission properties is shown and described in the application chapter.Attempting to implement quantum information related applications utilizing atoms and photons, as they naturally form quantum systems supporting superposition states, hybrid quantum plasmonic systems emerged in the past as a platform to study and engineer light-matter interaction. This platform combines the unrivaled electromagnetic field localization of surface plasmon polaritons, boosting the light-matter coupling rate, with the tremendous integration potential of truly nanoscale structures, and both the significant emission rates of nanoantennas and photonic transmission velocities. In this work, a classical description of surface plasmon polaritons is combined with a light-matter interaction model based on a cavity quantum electrodynamical formalism. The resulting composite semi-classical method, introduced and described in this thesis, provides efficient and versatile means to simulate the dynamical behavior of radiative atomic transitions coupled to plasmonic cavity modes in the weak incoherent coupling regime. Both the emission into the far field and various dissipation mechanisms are included by expanding the model to an open quantum system. The variety of light-matter interaction applications that can be modeled with the outlined method is indicated by the four different exemplary scenarios detailed in the application chapter of this thesis. The classical description of localized surface plasmon polaritons is benchmarked by reproducing the experimental measurements of the molecular fluorescence manipulation through optical nanoantennas in a collaborative effort with experimental partners. Furthermore, in the weak light-matter coupling regime, the potential of achieving a higher nanoantenna functionality and simultaneously realizing more elaborate quantum dynamics is revealed by the three remaining applications. Each pivotally involving a bimodal nanoantenna and demonstrating different quantum optical phenomena, the implementation of cavity radiation mode conversion, non-classical cavity emission statistics, and non-classical cavity emission properties is shown and described in the application chapter.

Jan 1, 20180 citations

Strongly enhanced light-matter interaction in a hybrid photonic-plasmonic resonator

Yun‐Feng Xiao, Yong‐Chun Liu, Bei‐Bei Li +3 more

We propose a hybrid photonic-plasmonic resonant structure which consists of a metal nanoparticle (MNP) and a whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) microcavity. It is found that the hybrid mode enables a strong interaction between the light and matter, and the single-atom cooperativity is enhanced by more than two orders of magnitude compared to that in a bare WGM microcavity. This improvement originates from two aspects: the MNP offers a highly enhanced local field in the vicinity of an emitter, and, interestingly, the high- $Q$ property of WGMs can be maintained in the presence of the MNP. Thus the present system has advantages over a single microcavity or a single MNP, and holds potential in quantum optics, nonlinear optics, and highly sensitive biosensing.We propose a hybrid photonic-plasmonic resonant structure which consists of a metal nanoparticle (MNP) and a whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) microcavity. It is found that the hybrid mode enables a strong interaction between the light and matter, and the single-atom cooperativity is enhanced by more than two orders of magnitude compared to that in a bare WGM microcavity. This improvement originates from two aspects: the MNP offers a highly enhanced local field in the vicinity of an emitter, and, interestingly, the high-$Q$ property of WGMs can be maintained in the presence of the MNP. Thus the present system has advantages over a single microcavity or a single MNP, and holds potential in quantum optics, nonlinear optics, and highly sensitive biosensing.

arXiv:1206.2422Physical Review AMar 27, 2012171 citations

Molecule in a Plasmonic Nanocavity

Takanori Nishi

Springer thesesJan 1, 20220 citations

Strong light-matter interactions in hybrid polaritonic systems

Ben Johns, Andrea Schirato, Federico Toffoletti +12 more

Strong light-matter coupling gives rise to polaritons - hybrid excitations whose mixed photonic and matter character enables control over optical, electronic and chemical properties. This Feature Article surveys the main architectures supporting polariton formation, including photonic microcavities, plasmonic nanostructures, open cavities and metasurfaces, and outlines how inorganic semiconductors, organic aggregates and hybrid systems access strong and ultrastrong coupling. Key phenomena such as coherent dynamics, vibronic interactions, dark-state reservoirs and polariton-mediated energy and electron transport are discussed, together with the experimental and theoretical tools used to study them. We highlight examples where strong coupling modifies charge transport, energy flow and chemical reactivity, and we summarize emerging regimes, including intermediate and dark-strong coupling, that broaden the landscape of hybrid light-matter physics.Strong light-matter coupling gives rise to polaritons - hybrid excitations whose mixed photonic and matter character enables control over optical, electronic and chemical properties. This Feature Article surveys the main architectures supporting polariton formation, including photonic microcavities, plasmonic nanostructures, open cavities and metasurfaces, and outlines how inorganic semiconductors, organic aggregates and hybrid systems access strong and ultrastrong coupling. Key phenomena such as coherent dynamics, vibronic interactions, dark-state reservoirs and polariton-mediated energy and electron transport are discussed, together with the experimental and theoretical tools used to study them. We highlight examples where strong coupling modifies charge transport, energy flow and chemical reactivity, and we summarize emerging regimes, including intermediate and dark-strong coupling, that broaden the landscape of hybrid light-matter physics.

physics.opticsCross-listedarXiv:2605.01583May 5, 2026

Light-Matter Interactions and Devices Enabled by Novel Engineered Photonic Media

Tianboyu Xu

Jan 1, 20180 citations

Q

property of WGMs can be maintained in the presence of the MNP. Thus the present system has advantages over a single microcavity or a single MNP, and holds potential in quantum optics, nonlinear optics, and highly sensitive biosensing.