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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Physics Faculty Publications

Series

2009

III-V semiconductors

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Enhancement Of Light Absorption In A Quantum Well By Surface Plasmon Polariton, Jacob B. Khurgin, Greg Sun May 2009

Enhancement Of Light Absorption In A Quantum Well By Surface Plasmon Polariton, Jacob B. Khurgin, Greg Sun

Physics Faculty Publications

We investigate analytically the degree to which the absorption of light in a single quantum well can be enhanced in the proximity of a structured metallic surface and show that the wavelength at which the maximum enhancement of about one order of magnitude is attained depends on metal loss and the initial absorption in a quantum well.


Practical Enhancement Of Photoluminescence By Metal Nanoparticles, Greg Sun, Jacob B. Khurgin, R. A. Soref Mar 2009

Practical Enhancement Of Photoluminescence By Metal Nanoparticles, Greg Sun, Jacob B. Khurgin, R. A. Soref

Physics Faculty Publications

We develop a simple yet rigorous theory of the photoluminescence (PL) enhancement in the vicinity of metal nanoparticles. The enhancement takes place during both optical excitation and emission. The strong dependence on the nanoparticle size enables optimization for maximum PL efficiency. Using the example of InGaN quantum dots (QDs) positioned near Ag nanospheres embedded in GaN, we show that strong enhancement can be obtained only for those QDs, atoms, or molecules that are originally inefficient in absorbing as well as in emitting optical energy. We then discuss practical implications for sensor technology.