Bio and electronically controlled surface plasmons polaritons generated by coupling between nano-antenna and photosynthetic protein - photosystem I

Abstract Surface plasmons polaritons (SPP) hold great promise for the next generation of fast nanoscale optoelectronic devices, as silicon-based electronic devices approach fundamental speed and scaling limitations. However, in order to fully exploit the potential of plasmonics, devices and material systems capable of actively controlling and manipulating plasmonic response is essential. Here, we demonstrate active control of the electric field distribution of a micro antenna by coupling SPP to a photosynthetic protein with outstanding optoelectronic properties and long range and efficient exciton transfer ability. The hybrid bio-solid state active platform is able to tune and modulate the optical activity of a micro plasmonic antenna via interaction of the bioactive material with plasmon oscillations occurring in the antennae. In addition, we demonstrate that the effect of the coupling can be further enhanced and controlled by an external potential applied to the micro antenna Photosynthetic hybrid system.