Composite metal/quantum-dot nanoparticle-array waveguides with compensated loss

We calculate the dispersion properties of waveguides composed of near-field-coupled arrays of metal-clad quantum dots (QDs). The high optical loss incurred by operating the metal shells close to resonance is mitigated by using optical gain in the QDs. A condition for achieving loss compensated operation is given based on realistic material parameters and neglecting inhomogeneous broadening. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3467845]