Strong Linearly Polarized Emission from Monolayer WS₂ Coupled with Plasmonic Nanocavity Array

Abstract

As an indispensable component of optoelectronic system, an on‐chip light source with well‐defined polarization is desirable in optical communication, signal processing and display applications. The emerging atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), due to their high quantum yield and robust valley coherence, provide an unprecedented platform to realize the high‐efficient linearly polarized light emission. Although the valley‐related optical selection rules suggest that valley coherence should be possible, extreme conditions such as cryogenic temperatures are required, which is a long‐term challenge for their practical applications. In this paper, the strongly enhanced linearly polarized emission is realized by integrating WS2 monolayers with a delicate designed plasmonic nanocavity. It is demonstrated that strong plasmon–exciton coupling gives rise to the plasmon–exciton polariton. The polariton valley coherence results in a linear polarization up to 0.32 at room temperature and contributes to 52% of the total linear polarization. Enhancement of linear polarization through polariton valley coherence can be understood as the consequence of the extra relaxation channel introduced by its plasmonic counterpart. The potential of 2D TMDC‐plasmon hybrid structure appears to be high and of significant technological interest, as well as inspires new perspectives on quantum manipulations in 2D solid‐state systems.