Abstract

It has been known for some time that energy transfer in micrometer-sized particles is enhanced over that of bulk samples of the same materials.¹ To date the mechanism responsible for the transfer has not been definitively identified. Theoretical studies indicate that a mechanism based on coupling to the electromagnetic modes of the micrometer-sized particles can produce energy transfer enhancements of the correct magnitude.² The modes of the particle alter the probability for radiation into the far field by the donor molecule and facilitate energy transfer to acceptors within the mode volume.

© 1993 Optical Society of America