Control of the Emission Properties of Semiconducting Nanowire Quantum Dots using Plasmonic Nanoantennas

Orateur : Soutenance de Thèse de Mathieu JEANNIN

In this work, we study the coupling between plasmonic nanoantennas and semiconducting nanowire quantum dots (NWQDs). This coupling requires spectral, spatial and polarisation matching of the antenna mode and of the NWQD emission. Hence, a full characterisation of both the antenna system and the NWQDs has to be performed to determine a relevant coupling geometry. Using cathodoluminescence (CL) we investigate the relation between the CL signal of circular patch plasmonic antennas and the electromagnetic local density of states (LDOS). The successive resonances supported by these antennas are complex superimpositions of Bessel modes of different radial and azimuthal order. Applying an analytical LDOS model, we show that we can fabricate and characterise antennas down to single mode resonances. However, the antennas CL spectrum goes beyond the radiative part of the LDOS. By changing the spacing layer thickness and the antennas materials, we propose an explanation for the origin of the additional CL signal we observe that is not related to the radiative LDOS of the patch antennas. We also demonstrate t he fabrication of Al patch antennas working in the blue spectral range and apply our method to other geometries. We perform optical characterisation of different quantum dots (QDs) embedded inside semiconducting nanowires (NWs) made of II-VI materials. We use microphotoluminescence (µPL) to study the emission of single NWQDs. Time-resolved measurements and Fourier imaging allows us to extract their exciton lifetime and radiation patterns. The variability in the emission properties of the NWQDs due to inhomogeneity in the growth process are evidenced by studying a statistical set of nanowires. A complete model based on polarisation-resolved Fourier imaging and magneto-optical spectroscopy is detailed, allowing to fully determine the QD electronic and optical properties for an individual system. Finally, we develop a cathodoluminescence-based two-step electron-beam lithography technique to deterministically fabricate plasmonic antennas coupled to NWQDs, enhancing their µPL propertie s. The coupling results in an enhanced absorption of the pump laser inside the NW and in an increase of the radiative rate of the QD, leading to up to a two-fold intensity enhancement factor for the coupled system.

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