Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Department of Physics & Astronomy

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

Quantum plasmonics explores the interaction between light and collective charge oscillations at metal-dielectric interfaces, enabling strong light confinement and enhanced quantum effects at the nanoscale. While traditional quantum optics has primarily focused on single-photon systems, an intermediate regime exists between classical and single-photon optics - multiparticle (or multiphoton) quantum optics. In this regime, classical light sources, when analyzed through techniques such as photon-number-resolving (PNR) detection and projective measurement, can reveal nontrivial quantum correlations. This thesis investigates how multiparticle quantum plasmonics harnesses these correlations to control quantum statistical properties, enhance coherence, and enable novel applications in quantum technologies.

In this thesis, we begin by establishing the theoretical foundation of multiparticle quantum plasmonics, introducing key concepts such as photon-plasmon interactions, coherence theory, and statistical fluctuations. The first study demonstrates that multiparticle scattering can modify quantum statistics in plasmonic systems, providing a new degree of control over fluctuations traditionally assumed to be preserved. The second study explores the nonclassical near-field dynamics of surface plasmons, revealing how quantum coherence arises from bosonic and fermionic contributions within isolated subsystems. The third study focuses on quantum plasmonic sensing, where a conditional detection scheme enhances the signal-to-noise ratio of weak plasmonic signals, enabling improved phase estimation for metrological applications. In the final study, we extend the multiparticle approach to quantum imaging using natural light. By isolating multiphoton correlations from thermal light fields with PNR detection and a single-pixel imaging protocol, we demonstrate enhanced image contrast even under noisy conditions. This result shows that nonclassical features can be accessed in classical light through careful subsystem projection, expanding the scope of multiparticle techniques beyond plasmonic systems.

Together, these studies highlight the fundamental role of multiparticle interactions in controlling and applying quantum statistical properties. By bridging fundamental investigations and practical implementations, this thesis contributes to the advancement of quantum plasmonics and demonstrates how multiphoton methods can drive progress in quantum imaging, sensing, and information processing.

Date

4-21-2025

Committee Chair

Magana-Loaiza, Omar S.

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