Modification of the spontaneous emission rate of Eu 3+ ions close to a thin metal mirror

摘要: We have experimentally determined how the spontaneous emission rate of Eu{sup 3+} ions depends upon both distance from, and thickness of, a silver film. show that as film is reduced ({lt} 100 nm) well established influence mirror on further modified. By comparing our data to theory we this due availability an additional decay channel, surface-plasmon polariton far side metal {copyright} {ital 1997} The American Physical Society}