Remote-excitation and remote-detection of single quantum dot using propagating surface plasmons on silver nanowire

Using propagating surface plasmons (SPs) on silver nanowire (NW), we demonstrate that focused laser light at the end of silver nanowire can excite single quantum dot (QD) microns away from the excitation spot. The QD-NW interaction allows the excited QD convert part of its energy into propagating SPs which then can be detected at the remote sites. Simultaneous multi-QDs remote-excitation and detection are also realized. Furthermore, the tight confinement of propagating SPs around the NW surface enables selective excitation of QDs very close in space, which cannot be realized under conventional excitation condition. This remote excitation and detection approach may find applications in optical imaging and sensing of chemical and biological systems.