Strong coupling of emitters to single plasmonic nanoparticles: exciton-induced transparency and Rabi splitting

Strong coupling between plasmons in metal nanoparticles and single excitons in molecules or semiconductor nanomaterials has recently attracted considerable experimental effort for potential applications in quantum-mechanical and classical optical information processing and for fundamental studies of light-matter interaction. Here, we review the theory behind strong plasmon-exciton coupling and provide analytical expressions that can be used for fitting experimental data, particularly the commonly measured scattering spectra. We re-analyze published data using these expressions, providing a uniform method for evaluating and quantifying claims of strong coupling that avoids ambiguities in distinguishing between Rabi splitting and exciton-induced transparency (or Fano-like interference between plasmons and excitons). This Feature Article reviews theory and experiments for quantum-mechanical strong coupling between excitons and plasmons in single metal nanostructures.