Momentum space separation of quantum path interferences between photons and surface plasmon polaritons in nonlinear photoemission microscopy

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Pascal Dreher - , University of Duisburg-Essen (Author)
  • David Janoschka - , University of Duisburg-Essen (Author)
  • Harald Giessen - , University of Stuttgart (Author)
  • Ralf Schützhold - , Chair of Theory of Nonequilibrium Phenomena in Solids or Plasmas (g.B./HZDR), University of Duisburg-Essen, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • Timothy J. Davis - , University of Duisburg-Essen, University of Stuttgart, University of Melbourne (Author)
  • Michael Horn-Von Hoegen - , University of Duisburg-Essen (Author)
  • Frank J. Meyer Zu Heringdorf - , University of Duisburg-Essen (Author)

Abstract

Quantum path interferences occur whenever multiple equivalent and coherent transitions result in a common final state. Such interferences strongly modify the probability of a particle to be found in that final state, a key concept of quantum coherent control. When multiple nonlinear and energy-degenerate transitions occur in a system, the multitude of possible quantum path interferences is hard to disentangle experimentally. Here, we analyze quantum path interferences during the nonlinear emission of electrons from hybrid plasmonic and photonic fields using time-resolved photoemission electron microscopy. We experimentally distinguish quantum path interferences by exploiting the momentum difference between photons and plasmons and through balancing the relative contributions of their respective fields. Our work provides a fundamental understanding of the nonlinear photon-plasmon-electron interaction. Distinguishing emission processes in momentum space, as introduced here, could allow nano-optical quantum-correlations to be studied without destroying the quantum path interferences.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1593-1602
Number of pages10
JournalNANOPHOTONICS
Volume13
Issue number9
Publication statusPublished - 2 Apr 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords