The effect of periodic spatial perturbations on the emission rates of quantum dots near graphene platforms

Quenching of fluorescence (FL) at the vicinity of conductive surfaces, and in particular, near a 2-D graphene layer has become an important biochemical sensing tool. The quenching is attributed to fast non-radiative energy transfer between a chromophore and the lossy conductor. Increased emission rate is also observed when the chromophore is coupled to a resonator. Here we combine the two effects in order to control the emission lifetime of the chromophore. In our case, the resonator was defined by an array of nano-holes in the oxide substrate underneath a graphene surface guide. We demonstrated an emission rate change by more than 50% as the sample was azimuthally rotated with respect to the polarization of the excitation laser. Such control over the emission life-time could be used to control resonance energy transfer (RET) between two chromophores.