Engineered fluorescence of quantum dots via plasmonic nanostructures

Engineered metallic nanostructures, namely, plasmonic nanostructures, have broad application prospects. Herein, we develop a versatile and reliable method, which combines slope self-assembly colloidal crystal with metal deposition, to harvest the engineered metallic nanostructures. The method possesses the advantages of low-cost, high sample output and being compatible with industrial process. Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are integrated within pre-designed engineered metallic nanostructures. Impressed results (an approximate 15 fold increase of photoluminescence intensity), have been realized. Moreover, field distribution of the periodic metal nanostructures is simulated via finite-difference time domain (FDTD). Importantly, a new mechanism, in addition to conventional theory, is proposed to illustrate the large enhancement of fluorescence efficiency. Additionally, engineered fluorescence, including controlled emission linewidth, peak and intensity, is achieved through the coupling of engineered metallic nanostructures and QDs. It is demonstrated that plasmonic nanostructures and engineered fluorescence has the potential to provide promise for a range of applications, including solar cell, light-emitting diodes, and single-molecule studies. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.