Enhanced spontaneous down-conversion in a nonlinear crystal embedded with plasmonic-quantum emitter hybrid structures

Abstract: Control of nonlinear response of nanostructures via path interference effects, i.e. Fano resonances, has been studied extensively. In such materials, a frequency conversion process which takes place near a hot spot has been considered. Here, we study a different case. The frequency conversion process takes place along the body of a nonlinear crystal. Metal nanoparticle-quantum emitter dimers control the down-conversion process, taking place throughout the crystal body, via introducing interfering conversion paths. Dimers behave as interaction centers. We show that a 2 order of magnitude enhancement is possible, beyond an enhancement due to localization effects. This factor multiplies the enhancement taking place due to the field localization.