Enhanced photoluminescence from dye layers embedded in metal–insulator–metal structures

Photoluminescence spectra of a dye layer embedded in a metal–insulator–metal structure are investigated. Peculiar behaviors of the emission peaks observed can be well explained by a photoluminescence mechanism mediated by a symmetric surface plasmon polariton mode supported by the metal–insulator–metal structure. The enhancement in the photoluminescence intensities relative to those of a reference sample is clearly demonstrated. Theoretical analyses suggest that the enhancement in emission process is dominant.