Mapping the Radiative and
the Apparent Nonradiative
Local Density of States in the Near Field of a Metallic Nanoantenna
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Abstract
We
present a novel method to extract the various contributions
to the photonic local density of states from near-field fluorescence
maps. The approach is based on the simultaneous mapping of the fluorescence
intensity and decay rate and on the rigorous application of the reciprocity
theorem. It allows us to separate the contributions of the radiative
and the apparent nonradiative local density of states to the change
in the decay rate. The apparent nonradiative contribution accounts
for losses due to radiation out of the detection solid angle and to
absorption in the environment. Data analysis relies on a new analytical
calculation, and does not require the use of numerical simulations.
One of the most relevant applications of the method is the characterization
of nanostructures aimed at maximizing the number of photons emitted
in the detection solid angle, which is a crucial issue in modern nanophotonics