The intersection of field-limited density of states and matter in radioluminescence: nanophotonic control of energy transfer

Abstract

The unresolved correlation between a nanostructured environment, like a crystalline colloidal array (CCA), and the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between multiple embedded emitters is a fundamental aspect of quantum light–matter interactions with implications for various high-priority applications, such as telecommunications, energy-efficient lighting, and quantum computing technologies. This highly debated topic was explored in two series (n₁ and n₂) of organic radioluminescent nanoparticles, containing a copolymerized scintillator and two organic fluorophores, that self-assembled into a liquid ordered structure, or CCA. The three copolymerized emitters exhibited two sequential transfers of energy upon X-ray irradiation, resulting in emission spanning the visible spectrum. Nanophotonic manipulation of the radioluminescence of each nanoparticle series assembled in a CCA and the energy transfer efficiency between the three emitters copolymerized within each nanoparticle series was demonstrated by positioning the partial photonic bandgap of the liquid ordered structure within the spectral regions attributed to each copolymerized emitter. Enhanced and suppressed energy transfer was exhibited in each nanoparticle series, revealing control over FRET in a radioluminescent system through strategic placement of the bandgap.