Single Molecule Strong Coupling in Plasmonic Nanocavities

Abstract

Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics forms the basis of the study of quantum objects placed in confined electromagnetic environments. Placing a quantum emitter in cavity results in light-matter coupling between them which can be weak or strong. Usually, coupling between light and matter is weak and can be ignored. But placing an emitter in modified electromagnetic environments like cavities results in strong coupling where new hybrid states are formed which have properties of both light and matter. To discuss these concepts in detail, the first part of this thesis explores a classical and quantum idea of weak and strong coupling. It is also discussed how this idea can be achieved experimentally and its applications in future quantum technologies. However, Our primary focus is to use it in applications involving change the chemical properties of materials which forms a basis for a newly emerging interdisciplinary field called "Polariton chemistry".The second part of the thesis focuses on the FDTD Lumerical simulations of plasmonic nanocavities to get the design optimizations in order to perform experiments. The third part describes all the experimental methods like setup design and sample preparation. Finally, we discuss all the results obtained and future work in this direction. Overall this thesis provides a contribution in understanding single-molecule strong coupling with plasmonic nanocavities and dye emitters.