The intersection of field-limited density of states and matter: Nanophotonic control of fluorescence energy transfer

Abstract

Understanding the unresolved connection between a structured environment and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is critical in the realm of quantum light-matter interactions, especially for quantum technology applications. This crucial topic was explored by copolymerizing three emitters capable of energy transfer within two nanoparticle series (n₁ and n₂) that self-assembled into a crystalline colloidal array. Upon excitation, sequential energy transfer between the copolymerized derivatives of anthracene, naphthalimide, and rhodamine B within n₁ and n₂ resulted in emission spanning the visible spectrum. Nanophotonic control over the photoluminescence of n₁ and n₂ assembled in an ordered structure was demonstrated by red-shifting the partial photonic bandgap of the ordered structure through the emission spectra of the copolymerized emitters, which was achieved by dilution with deionized water. Nanophotonic manipulation of the energy transfer between the two FRET pairs copolymerized within n₁ and n₂ was observed, revealing insights in the context of light-matter interactions. Specifically, nanophotonic control over photoluminescence, energy transfer efficiency, and decay kinetics was demonstrated by strategic placement of the partial photonic bandgap.