Theoretical Study of Modified Near-Infrared Light Emission: Quantum Emitters in Plasmonic Nanocavities

Quantum emitters, such as quantum dots and organic molecules, are vital components in many modern optical devices, including displays and sensing systems. In the visible spectrum, these emitters are highly efficient in light emission, but their performance declines significantly with decreasing optical gap due to the energy-gap law, limiting their use especially for infrared applications. To overcome this, coupling them with plasmonic particles can significantly enhance light emission by leveraging field confinement and amplification. In this talk, I will focus on the near-infrared regime, presenting a comprehensive study on the dynamics of molecules and their modification within plasmonic nanocavities. Emphasis will be given to the often-overlooked low quantum yield regime and the exploration of alternative plasmonic materials. These factors will be discussed in relation to their impact on the timescales of radiative and non-radiative processes, ultimately affecting light emission. I will further address both light- and current-induced excitation mechanisms, broadening the applicability of this study to a wide range of challenges. Practical considerations and implications will be discussed.