Fabrication and tuning of plasmonic optical nanoantennas around droplet epitaxy quantum dots by cathodoluminescence

We use cathodoluminescence to locate droplet epitaxy quantum dots with a precision $\lesssim$ nm before fabricating nanoantennas in their vicinity by electron-beam lithography. Cathodoluminescence is further used to evidence the effect of the antennas as a function of their length on the light emitted by the dot. Experimental results are in good agreement with numerical simulations of the structures

Plasmonic interferometry: probing launching dipoles in scanning-probe plasmonics

We develop a semi-analytical method for analyzing surface plasmon interferometry using near-field scanning optical sources. We compare our approach to Young double hole interferometry experiments using scanning tunneling microscope (STM) discussed in the literature and realize experiments with an aperture near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) source positioned near a ring like aperture slit milled in a thick gold film. In both cases the agreement between experiments and model is very good. We emphasize the role of dipole orientations and discuss the role of magnetic versus electric dipole contributions to the imaging process as well as the directionality of the effective dipoles associated with the various optical and plasmonic sources.Comment: To appear in Journal of Applied Physics (2014

Wave-mixing origin and optimization in single and compact aluminum nanoantennas

The outstanding optical properties for plasmon resonances in noble metal nanoparticles enable the observation of non-linear optical processes such as second-harmonic generation (SHG) at the nanoscale. Here, we investigate the SHG process in single rectangular aluminum nanoantennas and demonstrate that i) a doubly resonant regime can be achieved in very compact nanostructures, yielding a 7.5 enhancement compared to singly resonant structures and ii) the $\chi_{\perp\perp\perp}$ local surface and $\gamma_{bulk}$ nonlocal bulk contributions can be separated while imaging resonant nanostructures excited by a tightly focused beam, provided the $\chi_{\perp\parallel\parallel}$ local surface is assumed to be zero, as it is the case in all existing models for metals. Thanks to the quantitative agreement between experimental and simulated far-field SHG maps, taking into account the real experimental configuration (focusing and substrate), we identify the physical origin of the SHG in aluminum nanoantennas as arising mainly from $\chi_{\perp\perp\perp}$ local surface sources

Entangled N-photon states for fair and optimal social decision making

Situations involving competition for resources among entities can be modeled by the competitive multi-armed bandit (CMAB) problem, which relates to social issues such as maximizing the total outcome and achieving the fairest resource repartition among individuals. In these respects, the intrinsic randomness and global properties of quantum states provide ideal tools for obtaining optimal solutions to this problem. Based on the previous study of the CMAB problem in the two-arm, two-player case, this paper presents the theoretical principles necessary to find polarization-entangled N-photon states that can optimize the total resource output while ensuring equality among players. These principles were applied to two-, three-, four-, and five-player cases by using numerical simulations to reproduce realistic configurations and find the best strategies to overcome potential misalignment between the polarization measurement systems of the players. Although a general formula for the N-player case is not presented here, general derivation rules and a verification algorithm are proposed. This report demonstrates the potential usability of quantum states in collective decision making with limited, probabilistic resources, which could serve as a first step toward quantum-based resource allocation systems.Comment: 22 pages and 7 figures, version 1.1 of July 27th 202

Entangled-photon decision maker

The competitive multi-armed bandit (CMAB) problem is related to social issues such as maximizing total social benefits while preserving equality among individuals by overcoming conflicts between individual decisions, which could seriously decrease social benefits. The study described herein provides experimental evidence that entangled photons physically resolve the CMAB in the 2-arms 2-players case, maximizing the social rewards while ensuring equality. Moreover, we demonstrated that deception, or outperforming the other player by receiving a greater reward, cannot be accomplished in a polarization-entangled-photon-based system, while deception is achievable in systems based on classical polarization-correlated photons with fixed polarizations. Besides, random polarization-correlated photons have been studied numerically and shown to ensure equality between players and deception prevention as well, although the CMAB maximum performance is reduced as compared with entangled photon experiments. Autonomous alignment schemes for polarization bases were also experimentally demonstrated based only on decision conflict information observed by an individual without communications between players. This study paves a way for collective decision making in uncertain dynamically changing environments based on entangled quantum states, a crucial step toward utilizing quantum systems for intelligent functionalities

Elements for a Theory of Financial Risks

Estimating and controlling large risks has become one of the main concern of financial institutions. This requires the development of adequate statistical models and theoretical tools (which go beyond the traditionnal theories based on Gaussian statistics), and their practical implementation. Here we describe three interrelated aspects of this program: we first give a brief survey of the peculiar statistical properties of the empirical price fluctuations. We then review how an option pricing theory consistent with these statistical features can be constructed, and compared with real market prices for options. We finally argue that a true `microscopic' theory of price fluctuations (rather than a statistical model) would be most valuable for risk assessment. A simple Langevin-like equation is proposed, as a possible step in this direction.Comment: 22 pages, to appear in `Order, Chance and Risk', Les Houches (March 1998), to be published by Springer/EDP Science

Propriétés optiques de nano-structures métalliques et semi-conductrices

The Raman spectroscopy, involving phonons with nanometric wavelengths, is a powerful technique for investigating nanostructures. It evidences the localisation or mixing effects associated with the electronic states. On the other hand, the spatial coherence of the vibrational modes, at the origin of Raman interferences, allows to probe both electronic and acoustic properties. The approach developed in this manuscript lies in the comparison between measurements and scattering cross section calculations. It gives a quantitative understanding of both frequencies and intensities of observed Raman features. This approach allowed to identify a new coupling mechanism between plasmons and phonons which indeed dominates the low-frequency Raman scattering in metal nano-particules.La spectrométrie Raman, mettant en jeu des phonons de longueur d'onde nanométrique, est une technique de choix pour l'étude des nanostructures. Elle met en évidence les effets de localisation ou de mélange des états électroniques. La cohérence spatiale des modes de vibration, à l'origine du phénomène d'interférence Raman, permet quant à elle de sonder de la structuration spatiale de la matière, tant d'un point de vue électronique qu'acoustique, ouvrant ainsi la voie vers des dispositifs de caractérisation intégrés. La spécificité de l'approche développée dans ce manuscrit réside dans la comparaison entre mesures et calculs de la section efficace de diffusion Raman. Elle apporte une compréhension quantitative des fréquences mais aussi des intensités des pics mesurés. Ainsi, cette démarche a permis d'identifier un nouveau mécanisme de couplage phonon-plasmon qui s'est avéré être le mécanisme dominant la diffusion Raman basses fréquences dans les nano-particules métalliques

Propriétés optiques de nano-structures métalliques et semi-conductrices

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