Enhancement of the second-harmonic generation in a quantum dot–metallic nanoparticle hybrid system

Abstract

We have investigated the second-harmonic generation (SHG) and dipole–dipole interaction in a quantum dot and metallic nanoparticle hybrid system. A strong probe field is applied to create two-photon absorption in the quantum dot and metallic nanoparticle. SHG photons and SHG surface plasmon polaritons are emitted by the quantum dot and metallic nanoparticle, respectively. Induced dipoles are created in the quantum dot and the metallic nanoparticle due to two-photon absorption and hence both systems interact with each other via the dipole–dipole interaction. It is found that SHG signals produced by the quantum dot and nanoparticle are enhanced by the dipole–dipole interaction and also that the SHG signal can be switched on and off by applying a control field. The theoretical findings of this paper are supported by recent experimental studies. The present hybrid system can be used to fabricate nano-sensors and all-optical nano-switching devices.