Enhancement of Molecular Fluorescence in the UV Spectral Range Using Aluminum Nanoantennas

Abstract

We investigate the fluorescence rate of a dipolar emitter coupled to Al nanoparticles of varying shapes and sizes and to dimer nanoantennas in the deep-ultraviolet (UV) spectral range, using the surface integral equation method. In particular, we show that the shape of the Al nanostructures plays a fundamental role in controlling the complex interplay between the excitation rate and the quantum yield in radiative plasmonic systems. In addition, we also investigate the role of the near-field interaction of two coupled Al nanoparticles in enhancing the fluorescence rate of the dipole. This study is important for the engineering of more efficient light-emitting nanostructures in the UV spectral range, such as Al-based material systems or light-emitting fluorophores for biodetection.