Physics

Quantum dot

Plasmonic nanoparticles

Plasmon

Optics

Physical chemistry

Chemistry

Materials science

Polarization (electrochemistry)

Condensed matter physics

Coherence (philosophical gambling strategy)

Quantum mechanics

Nanoshell

Optoelectronics

Quantum optics

Quantum

Optics Letters

When a hybrid system consisting of a semiconductor quantum dot and a metallic nanoparticle interacts with a laser field, the plasmonic field of the metallic nanoparticle can be normalized by the quantum coherence generated in the quantum dot. In this Letter, we study the states of polarization of such a coherent-plasmonic field and demonstrate how these states can reveal unique aspects of the collective molecular properties of the hybrid system formed via coherent exciton-plasmon coupling. We show that transition between the molecular states of this system can lead to ultrafast polarization dynamics, including sudden reversal of the sense of variations of the plasmonic field and formation of circular and elliptical polarization.

Dynamics of plasmonic field polarization induced by quantum coherence in quantum dot–metallic nanoshell structures