Second-order correlation function of fluorescence from a few atoms near plasmonic surface

We have used a full quantum mechanical approach to study the second-order correlation function of a system of a few two-level atoms coupled via plasmons. By the usage of quantum regression theory we have developed a new model that allows us to fully investigate the dependence of photon bunching and anti-bunching effects to the interaction between atoms, fields and surrounding medium. Using Dicke basis for several atomic systems, we show that Dicke states can be coupled via various relaxation processes near plasmonic and metamaterial surfaces, and as a result, the second-order correlation function has various characteristic time scales related to the supperadiant and subradiant transitions and these prediction can be observed experimentally. (paper)