Channeling of fluorescence photons from quantum dots into guided modes of an optical nanofiber tip

Abstract

We demonstrate the channeling of fluorescence photons from quantum dots (QDs) into guided modes of an optical nanofiber tip (ONFT). We deposit QDs on the ONFT using micro/nano fluidic technology. We measure the photon-counting and emission spectrum of fluorescence photons that are channeled into guided modes of the ONFT. The measured emission spectrum confirms the deposition of QDs on the ONFT. We perform numerical simulations to determine channeling efficiency (η) for the ONFT and a single dipole source (SDS) system. For the radially oriented SDS at the center of the facet of the ONFT, we found the maximum η-value of 44% at the fiber size parameter of 7.16, corresponding to the ONFT radius of 0.71 µm for the emission wavelength at 620 nm. Additionally, we investigate the SDS position dependence in transverse directions on the facet of the ONFT in view of keeping experimental ambiguities. The present fiber inline platform may open new avenues in quantum technologies.