Quantum wires as sensors of the electric field: A model into quantum plasmonics

Abstract

This paper presents a study for a fibre optic sensor based on quantum wires to detect and measure the amplitude and direction of a static electric field. This study is supported by the analogy of the fluid equations describing the free electrons in the quantum wires and the Madelung formalism of Quantum Mechanics. In this context, it is possible to construct a diatomic plasmonic molecule whose energy levels can be Stark shifted by an external electric field and readout using a light beam tuned to the Rabi oscillations of these levels. Choosing the adequate design parameters it is possible to estimate a sensitivity of 100nm/NC−1.