Long-Range Resonant Energy Transfer Using Optical Topological Transitions in Metamaterials

Abstract

The control and enhancement of resonance energy transfer is highly desirable for a variety of applications ranging from solar cells to spectroscopic rulers. However, the process of direct resonance energy transfer is distance dependent and limited to ∼10 nm for typical donor–acceptor pairs. Here we demonstrate long-range (∼160 nm) direct energy transfer between donor quantum dots and acceptor dye molecules through the use of an optical topological transition (OTT) in a metamaterial. The OTT in a metamaterial, modifies the density of states between the donor and acceptor, resulting in the long-range energy transfer with transfer efficiency of ∼32%. Theoretical calculation based on master-equation formalism is used to model the system and is found to be in good agreement with the experimental observation. The use of OTTs in metamaterials to enhance and control energy transfer process can have wide array of potential applications ranging from organic solar cells to quantum entanglement.