Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Tuning the ED and MD transitions in Europium in a Fabry-Perot cavity

Jasper Landman

Published Aug 16, 2013• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

Radiative transition rates are known to be tunable by changing the photonic environment of a fluorescent species. In this work, we investigate the influence of nearby metallic interfaces on the transition rates of Eu3+ ions. Specifically, we consider the magnetic dipole (MD) and electric dipole (ED) transitions that are visible in the luminescence spectrum of Eu3+ ions, which respond differently to a change in the photonic environment. Three different fabrication processes were used to prepare layered substrates with Eu3+ at a variable distance above a gold or silver mirror, or sandwiched between two gold or silver mirrors.\n\nA complete theoretical description of these layered substrates, using a Dyadic Green's formalism, is presented, leading to a set of directly applicable formulae. These formulae were found to provide very accurate predictions of the single mirror system spectra. The photoluminescence lifetimes of Eu3+ in these systems could not be reproduced: different factors seem to play a role here.\n\nThe quality of the emitting layer was found to have a significant effect on the fluorescence behaviour. A scattering emitting layer causes the emission coherence to be lost quickly, giving unpredictable results. Thermal treatment results in a very clear emitting layer, but emission brightness is reduced up to the point where no reliable spectrum could be recorded anymore for double mirror systems. Better control over the fabrication of the emitting layer is needed.

Related papers

Photonic Effects for Magnetic Dipole Transitions

Zijun Wang, Tim J. Senden, Andries Meijerink

Abstract The radiative transition probability is a fundamental property for optical transitions. Extensive research, theoretical and experimental, has been conducted to establish the relation between the photonic environment and electric dipole (ED) transition probabilities. Recent work shows that the nanocrystal (NC)-cavity model accurately describes the influence of the refractive index n on ED transition rates for emitters in NCs. For magnetic dipole (MD) transitions, theory predicts a simple n3 dependence. However, experimental evidence is sparse and difficult to obtain. Here we report Eu3+-(with distinct ED+MD transitions) and Gd3+-(MD transitions) doped β-NaYF4 NC model systems to probe the influence of n on ED and MD transition probabilities through luminescence lifetime and ED/MD intensity ratio measurements. The results provide strong experimental evidence for an n3 dependence of MD transition probabilities. This insight is important for understanding and controlling the variation of spectral distribution in emission spectra by photonic effects.

The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters•Nov 7, 2017•33 citations

Spectral Tuning by Selective Enhancement of Electric and Magnetic Dipole Emission

Sinan Karaveli, Rashid Zia

We demonstrate that magnetic dipole transitions provide an additional degree of freedom for engineering emission spectra. Without the need for a high-quality optical cavity, we show how a simple gold mirror can strongly tune the emission of trivalent europium. We exploit the differing field symmetries of electric and magnetic dipoles to selectively direct the majority of emission through each of three major transitions (centered at 590, 620, and 700 nm), and present a model that accurately predicts this tuning from the local electric and magnetic density of optical states.

Physical Review Letters•May 11, 2011•173 citations

Accessing forbidden transitions: Magnetic dipoles and electric quadrupoles for nano-optics

Rashid Zia

Summary form only given. Although it is often assumed that all light-matter interactions at optical frequencies are mediated by electric dipole transitions, strong optical-frequency magnetic dipoles do exist. In fact, we see magnetic dipole emission every day from the many lanthanide ions (such as erbium, europium, and terbium) that help to illuminate everything from fluorescent lighting to telecom fiber amplifiers. Higher-order processes such as magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole transitions also play an important part in the light emission from transition metal ions and semiconductor quantum dots. Nevertheless, most applications have overlooked the device implications of these electric-dipole-forbidden transitions throughout the visible and near-infrared regime, and their contributions to many important emitters have not been fully characterized.In this presentation, we will experimentally characterize the "forbidden" transitions in a range of solid-state emitters and investigate their applications and implications for nanophotonics. We will examine the electric dipole approximation commonly used to describe light-matter interactions and discuss naturally occurring systems that exhibit higher-order magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole emission. We will illustrate how these nanoscale quantum transitions can provide both a new way to probe magnetic light-matter interactions and a new degree of design freedom for active electronic and photonic devices. Specifically, we will demonstrate how the different symmetries of multipolar transitions can be exploited to identify, quantify, and control light emission, even at sub-lifetime scales. Despite similar radiation patterns, magnetic and electric dipole emitters have different symmetries with respect to polarization and phase. Thus, in an inhomogeneous environment, we can tailor interference effects and the local density of optical states to selectively enhance either electric or magnetic dipole emission [1,2]. To examine the scope of such higher-order transitions, we will present quantum mechanical calculations that identify all the magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole emission lines in the trivalent lanthanide series in the visible to near-infrared spectrum [3]. Then, we will present an energyand momentum-resolved spectroscopy technique to directly quantify the electric and magnetic dipole contributions from any mixed transition. [4] Using energy-momentum spectroscopy, we will experimentally examine the higher order transitions in lanthanide ions [4,5], transition metal ions [6], and epitaxial quantum dots [7]. If time permits, we will then show how the symmetry differences between magnetic and electric dipoles can be used to address specific electronic states [6] and to dynamically tune emission spectra at sub-lifetime-scales [8].

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics Europe & European Quantum Electronics Conference (CLEO/Europe-EQEC)•May 1, 2013•2 citations

Accessing Optical Magnetic Dipole Transitions in Eu3+ ions by Manipulating Light Properties and Sample Morphology

Elizaveta Gangrskaia, Alessandra Bellissimo, Christoph Eisenmenger‐Sittner +4 more

Most studies of light-matter interactions at optical frequencies primarily focus on the electric field (EF) interactions, often overlooking the contribution of the optical magnetic field (MF). The EF component of light interacts with electric dipole (ED) moments in matter approximately$10^{5}$times more strongly than the MF interacts with magnetic dipole (MD) moments. However, the spectral signatures of these weak (or “hidden”) MD transitions obey different selection rules from those governing the ED transitions, offering complementary insights into the properties of the investigated sample. Exclusive investigation of the MD transitions requires the spatial separation of the MF and the EF maxima within the region of interest, despite their intrinsic coupling dictated by Maxwell's equations. Such spatial separation can be achieved using standing wave geometries [1], dielectric resonators [2], or cylindrical vector laser beams (CVBs) [3]. A focused CVB with radial polarization (RPB) generates a ring-shaped intensity profile (Fig. 1b) and exhibits an axial EF component. In contrast, an azimuthally polarized beam (APB) (Fig. 1a) features a longitudinal MF component oscillating along the optical axis. The interaction of APB ultrashort pulses with tailored metallic apertures (antennas) results in additional MF enhancement via generation of oscillating ring currents within the metal [4]. In this work, we fabricated and experimentally validated a testbed for MD-exclusive optical spectroscopy based on a$\mu \mathrm{m}$-sized metallic antenna with a fluorescent nanostructure precisely positioned within the MF-dominated region. As a target material, we used Eu3+Y2O3compound, featuring a MD transition centred at 527.5 nm and an ED transition at 532 nm.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics Europe & European Quantum Electronics Conference (CLEO/Europe-EQEC)•Jun 23, 2025•0 citations

Generation of Tunable Narrowband Azimuthally Polarized Pulses for Magnetic Excitation of Eu3+ Ions

Elizaveta Gangrskaia, Valentina Shumakova, Alessandra Bellissimo +5 more

Optical frequency magnetic dipole (MD) transitions follow different selection rules from those invoked by the coupling of light to the electric dipole (ED) moment giving valuable complementary spectral information about the system under investigation. However, MD interactions contribute to the optical spectrum by approximately two orders of magnitude less than the ED transitions, therefore remaining concealed in traditional optical spectroscopy. To allow the unperturbed direct detection of the magnetic-field-MD interactions a novel type of magneto-optical spectroscopy is proposed. To this end, spatial separation of the electric and the magnetic field (EF & MF) components of the light can be achieved by means of azimuthally polarised beams (APB) [1]. Under external focusing, the APB develops a doughnut-shaped intensity profile exhibiting a longitudinal MF component at the centre of the beam while the polarisation of the EF oscillates along the beam perimeter. Another way to discern between ED and MD transitions is through spectral selectivity. For example, Eu3+ ions exhibit a MD-allowed transition at 527.5 nm and an ED-allowed one at 532 nm [2].

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics Europe & European Quantum Electronics Conference (CLEO/Europe-EQEC)•Jun 26, 2023•0 citations

Generation of nearly pure and highly directional magnetic light in fluorescence of rare-earth ions

Anton D. Utyushev, Roman Gaponenko, Song Sun +3 more

A thorough analysis of the emission via the magnetic dipole (MD) transition, called magnetic light below, of trivalent rare-earth ions in or near dielectric homogeneous spheres has been performed. In the search for enhancement of fluorescence from magnetic light, one faces the difficult task of identifying the regions where the combined fluorescence due to multiple electric dipole (ED) transitions becomes negligible compared to the fluorescence of the MD transition. We have succeeded in identifying a number of configurations with dielectric sphere parameters and a radial position of a trivalent rare-earth emitter wherein the branching ratio of the MD transition approaches its limit of one, implying that transitions from a given initial level (e.g., $^{5}\mathrm{D}_{0}$ level of ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{3+}$) are completely dominated by the MD transition. The dimensionless directivity of the MD emission, the radiative decay rates, and the fluorescence of the magnetic light can be increased by a factor of more than 25, ${10}^{3}$, and ${10}^{4}$, respectively.

arXiv:2212.05552•Physical review. B./Physical review. B•Jan 11, 2024•7 citations
Radiative transition rates are known to be tunable by changing the photonic environment of a fluorescent species. In this work, we investigate the influence of nearby metallic interfaces on the transition rates of Eu3+ ions. Specifically, we consider the magnetic dipole (MD) and electric dipole (ED) transitions that are visible in the luminescence spectrum of Eu3+ ions, which respond differently to a change in the photonic environment. Three different fabrication processes were used to prepare layered substrates with Eu3+ at a variable distance above a gold or silver mirror, or sandwiched between two gold or silver mirrors.\n\nA complete theoretical description of these layered substrates, using a Dyadic Green's formalism, is presented, leading to a set of directly applicable formulae. These formulae were found to provide very accurate predictions of the single mirror system spectra. The photoluminescence lifetimes of Eu3+ in these systems could not be reproduced: different factors seem to play a role here.\n\nThe quality of the emitting layer was found to have a significant effect on the fluorescence behaviour. A scattering emitting layer causes the emission coherence to be lost quickly, giving unpredictable results. Thermal treatment results in a very clear emitting layer, but emission brightness is reduced up to the point where no reliable spectrum could be recorded anymore for double mirror systems. Better control over the fabrication of the emitting layer is needed.
Abstract The radiative transition probability is a fundamental property for optical transitions. Extensive research, theoretical and experimental, has been conducted to establish the relation between the photonic environment and electric dipole (ED) transition probabilities. Recent work shows that the nanocrystal (NC)-cavity model accurately describes the influence of the refractive index n on ED transition rates for emitters in NCs. For magnetic dipole (MD) transitions, theory predicts a simple n3 dependence. However, experimental evidence is sparse and difficult to obtain. Here we report Eu3+-(with distinct ED+MD transitions) and Gd3+-(MD transitions) doped β-NaYF4 NC model systems to probe the influence of n on ED and MD transition probabilities through luminescence lifetime and ED/MD intensity ratio measurements. The results provide strong experimental evidence for an n3 dependence of MD transition probabilities. This insight is important for understanding and controlling the variation of spectral distribution in emission spectra by photonic effects.
We demonstrate that magnetic dipole transitions provide an additional degree of freedom for engineering emission spectra. Without the need for a high-quality optical cavity, we show how a simple gold mirror can strongly tune the emission of trivalent europium. We exploit the differing field symmetries of electric and magnetic dipoles to selectively direct the majority of emission through each of three major transitions (centered at 590, 620, and 700 nm), and present a model that accurately predicts this tuning from the local electric and magnetic density of optical states.
Summary form only given. Although it is often assumed that all light-matter interactions at optical frequencies are mediated by electric dipole transitions, strong optical-frequency magnetic dipoles do exist. In fact, we see magnetic dipole emission every day from the many lanthanide ions (such as erbium, europium, and terbium) that help to illuminate everything from fluorescent lighting to telecom fiber amplifiers. Higher-order processes such as magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole transitions also play an important part in the light emission from transition metal ions and semiconductor quantum dots. Nevertheless, most applications have overlooked the device implications of these electric-dipole-forbidden transitions throughout the visible and near-infrared regime, and their contributions to many important emitters have not been fully characterized.In this presentation, we will experimentally characterize the "forbidden" transitions in a range of solid-state emitters and investigate their applications and implications for nanophotonics. We will examine the electric dipole approximation commonly used to describe light-matter interactions and discuss naturally occurring systems that exhibit higher-order magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole emission. We will illustrate how these nanoscale quantum transitions can provide both a new way to probe magnetic light-matter interactions and a new degree of design freedom for active electronic and photonic devices. Specifically, we will demonstrate how the different symmetries of multipolar transitions can be exploited to identify, quantify, and control light emission, even at sub-lifetime scales. Despite similar radiation patterns, magnetic and electric dipole emitters have different symmetries with respect to polarization and phase. Thus, in an inhomogeneous environment, we can tailor interference effects and the local density of optical states to selectively enhance either electric or magnetic dipole emission [1,2]. To examine the scope of such higher-order transitions, we will present quantum mechanical calculations that identify all the magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole emission lines in the trivalent lanthanide series in the visible to near-infrared spectrum [3]. Then, we will present an energyand momentum-resolved spectroscopy technique to directly quantify the electric and magnetic dipole contributions from any mixed transition. [4] Using energy-momentum spectroscopy, we will experimentally examine the higher order transitions in lanthanide ions [4,5], transition metal ions [6], and epitaxial quantum dots [7]. If time permits, we will then show how the symmetry differences between magnetic and electric dipoles can be used to address specific electronic states [6] and to dynamically tune emission spectra at sub-lifetime-scales [8].
Most studies of light-matter interactions at optical frequencies primarily focus on the electric field (EF) interactions, often overlooking the contribution of the optical magnetic field (MF). The EF component of light interacts with electric dipole (ED) moments in matter approximately10510^{5}105times more strongly than the MF interacts with magnetic dipole (MD) moments. However, the spectral signatures of these weak (or “hidden”) MD transitions obey different selection rules from those governing the ED transitions, offering complementary insights into the properties of the investigated sample. Exclusive investigation of the MD transitions requires the spatial separation of the MF and the EF maxima within the region of interest, despite their intrinsic coupling dictated by Maxwell's equations. Such spatial separation can be achieved using standing wave geometries [1], dielectric resonators [2], or cylindrical vector laser beams (CVBs) [3]. A focused CVB with radial polarization (RPB) generates a ring-shaped intensity profile (Fig. 1b) and exhibits an axial EF component. In contrast, an azimuthally polarized beam (APB) (Fig. 1a) features a longitudinal MF component oscillating along the optical axis. The interaction of APB ultrashort pulses with tailored metallic apertures (antennas) results in additional MF enhancement via generation of oscillating ring currents within the metal [4]. In this work, we fabricated and experimentally validated a testbed for MD-exclusive optical spectroscopy based on aμm\mu \mathrm{m}μm-sized metallic antenna with a fluorescent nanostructure precisely positioned within the MF-dominated region. As a target material, we used Eu3+Y2O3compound, featuring a MD transition centred at 527.5 nm and an ED transition at 532 nm.
Optical frequency magnetic dipole (MD) transitions follow different selection rules from those invoked by the coupling of light to the electric dipole (ED) moment giving valuable complementary spectral information about the system under investigation. However, MD interactions contribute to the optical spectrum by approximately two orders of magnitude less than the ED transitions, therefore remaining concealed in traditional optical spectroscopy. To allow the unperturbed direct detection of the magnetic-field-MD interactions a novel type of magneto-optical spectroscopy is proposed. To this end, spatial separation of the electric and the magnetic field (EF & MF) components of the light can be achieved by means of azimuthally polarised beams (APB) [1]. Under external focusing, the APB develops a doughnut-shaped intensity profile exhibiting a longitudinal MF component at the centre of the beam while the polarisation of the EF oscillates along the beam perimeter. Another way to discern between ED and MD transitions is through spectral selectivity. For example, Eu3+ ions exhibit a MD-allowed transition at 527.5 nm and an ED-allowed one at 532 nm [2].
A thorough analysis of the emission via the magnetic dipole (MD) transition, called magnetic light below, of trivalent rare-earth ions in or near dielectric homogeneous spheres has been performed. In the search for enhancement of fluorescence from magnetic light, one faces the difficult task of identifying the regions where the combined fluorescence due to multiple electric dipole (ED) transitions becomes negligible compared to the fluorescence of the MD transition. We have succeeded in identifying a number of configurations with dielectric sphere parameters and a radial position of a trivalent rare-earth emitter wherein the branching ratio of the MD transition approaches its limit of one, implying that transitions from a given initial level (e.g., 5D0^{5}\mathrm{D}_{0}5D0​ level of Eu3+{\mathrm{Eu}}^{3+}Eu3+) are completely dominated by the MD transition. The dimensionless directivity of the MD emission, the radiative decay rates, and the fluorescence of the magnetic light can be increased by a factor of more than 25, 103{10}^{3}103, and 104{10}^{4}104, respectively.