arXiv · 1301.4681
Universal Distance-Scaling of Non-radiative Energy Transfer to Graphene
Abstract
The near-field interaction between fluorescent emitters and graphene exhibits rich physics associated with local dipole-induced electromagnetic fields that are strongly enhanced due to the unique properties of graphene. Here, we measure emitter lifetimes as a function of emitter-graphene distance d, and find agreement with a universal scaling law, governed by the fine-structure constant. The observed energy transfer- rate is in agreement with a 1/d^4 dependence that is characteristic of 2D lossy media. The emitter decay rate is enhanced 90 times (transfer efficiency of ~99%) with respect to the decay in vacuum at distances d ~ 5 nm. This high energy-transfer rate is mainly due to the two-dimensionality and gapless character of the monoatomic carbon layer. Graphene is thus shown to be an extraordinary energy sink, holding great potential for photodetection, energy harvesting, and nanophotonics.
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L. Gaudreau, K. J. Tielrooij, G. E. D. K. Prawiroatmodjo, J. Osmond, F. J. Garcia de Abajo, F. H. L. Koppens. 2013-01-20. Universal Distance-Scaling of Non-radiative Energy Transfer to Graphene. https://doi.org/10.1021/nl400176b
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