2D GNR Layers for Quantum Plexcitonics

Title: 2D GNR Layers for Quantum PlexcitonicsObjective: In this project, we will create 1D and 2D graphene nanoribbon (GNR) layers on metallic substrates that have nodes that will serve as quantum emitters. These GNR layers will form quantum-emitter-coupled propagating plexcitonic states through the metallic substrate. This proposal will provide a new route to long-range, room-temperature coherently coupled,cooperative interactions between quantum emitters.Technical Approach: We have three parallel thrusts to realize this research: (1) We will synthesize precursors to 1D and 2D GNR layers that incorporate quantum emitters in the form of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as terrylene. These building blocks will be formed into 1D and 2D GNR layers on noble metal substrates using Ullmann coupling reactions. The quantum emitters in these GNR networks will be incorporated as sidearms in 1D GNRs, in the main chain of the 1D GNRs, and into 2D GNR layers. (2) We will characterize these layers and the building blocks that make them using a suite of techniques drawing from scanned probe methods to x-ray photoelectron spectroscopies in order to characterize the electronic structure of the 1D and 2D films created on metal surfaces. These characterizations are aimed at understanding the coupling between different components that comprise the 2D films as well as to understand light emission from these components and its coupling to the plasmon modes of the underlying substrate. (3) We will study the development of PAH-GNR-based quantum plexcitonics to identifysignatures of strong coupling between the quantum emitters and propagating surface plasmon states (e.g. Rabi splitting), and to characterize the emergent excited states in hybrid systems (e.g. dynamics, propagation, etc.). In addition, the discovery, optimization, feasibility assessments, and design rule development of quantum-plexcitonic components will benefit from characterizingthese parameters on sub-diffraction and ultrafast scales.Outcomes: Together, the three research thrusts will allow us to complete multi-faceted comprehensive characterization of coupling in the metal-GNR/quantum emitter system at length and times scales that are most relevant to their potential integration in quantum and nanooptoelectronic technologies.Relevance to Future ONR/DoD capabilities: Technologies developed in this project could dramatically improve Command, Control, Computers and Communications (C4) capabilities by enabling information processing and communications electronics with greatly increased processing speed, functionality, and higher integration density. The implications for continuedadvances in the capabilities of military systems that can be built upon such a technological foundation include autonomous sensors, dramatic increases in performance of battery powered intelligent mobile devices from backpack to handheld scale, and lower power requirements for deep learning networks.