Enhancing spontaneous emission using structural resonances of self-assembled monolayers

Self-assembled monolayers made using sub-micron dielectric spheres are analogous to atomic monolayers that have proved to be a modern workhorse in condensed matter physics. Here, we discuss the origin of optical resonances associated with sub-micron dielectric monolayers through experiments that are further supported by theory and simulation. These resonances are used to enhance the emission rate of nitrogen-vacancy centers in nanodiamonds. Emission decay rate measurements confirm a 14% decrease in the excited state lifetime, which implies an enhanced emission rate at the resonances. The increase in measured decay rates is supported by the calculated local density of optical states. Our results provide a platform to tailor light transport and emission for applications in photonics and quantum technology using these monolayers.