Nano-Optics for Enhancing Light-Matter Interactions on a Molecular Scale


Book Description

This volume presents a considerable number of interrelated contributions dealing with the new scientific ability to shape and control matter and electromagnetic fields on a sub-wavelength scale. The topics range from the fundamental ones, such as photonic metamateriials, plasmonics and sub-wavelength resolution to the more applicative, such as detection of single molecules, tomography on a micro-chip, fluorescence spectroscopy of biological systems, coherent control of biomolecules, biosensing of single proteins, terahertz spectroscopy of nanoparticles, rare earth ion-doped nanoparticles, random lasing, and nanocoax array architecture. The various subjects bridge over the disciplines of physics, biology and chemistry, making this volume of interest to people working in these fields. The emphasis is on the principles behind each technique and on examining the full potential of each technique. The contributions that appear in this volume were presented at a NATO Advanced Study Institute that was held in Erice, Italy, 3-18 July, 2011. The pedagogical aspect of the Institute is reflected in the topics presented in this volume.




Nano-Structures for Optics and Photonics


Book Description

The contributions in this volume were presented at a NATO Advanced Study Institute held in Erice, Italy, 4-19 July 2013. Many aspects of important research into nanophotonics, plasmonics, semiconductor materials and devices, instrumentation for bio sensing to name just a few, are covered in depth in this volume. The growing connection between optics and electronics, due to the increasing important role plaid by semiconductor materials and devices, find their expression in the term photonics, which also reflects the importance of the photon aspect of light in the description of the performance of several optical systems. Nano-structures have unique capabilities that allow the enhanced performance of processes of interest in optical and photonic devices. In particular these structures permit the nanoscale manipulation of photons, electrons and atoms; they represent a very hot topic of research and are relevant to many devices and applications. The various subjects bridge over the disciplines of physics, biology and chemistry, making this volume of interest to people working in these fields. The emphasis is on the principles behind each technique and on examining the full potential of each technique.




Advances in Near-Field Optics


Book Description

This book brings together tutorial-style expository chapters on both foundational material and current research areas in near-field optics. The starting point for the book was the Summer School at the 16th International Conference on Near-Field Optics, Nanophotonics and Related Techniques (2022), with each Summer School short course represented by a chapter, along with an additional specially selected chapter on a complementary topic. Together, the chapters within present a modern perspective of the area of near-field optics, focusing on recent theoretical approaches, but also capturing the evolution of the field. Each chapter is written by an internationally-recognized expert and provides a tutorial on a different aspects of the theory and analytical methods for near-field optics, nanophotonics, and plasmonics. While the material will be accessible at the graduate level, it will also provide a useful reference for established researchers in near-field optics and scientists in nearby fields.




Optical Antennas


Book Description

This consistent and systematic review of recent advances in optical antenna theory and practice brings together leading experts in the fields of electrical engineering, nano-optics and nano-photonics, physical chemistry and nanofabrication. Fundamental concepts and functionalities relevant to optical antennas are explained, together with key principles for optical antenna modelling, design and characterisation. Recognising the tremendous potential of this technology, practical applications are also outlined. Presenting a clear translation of the concepts of radio antenna design, near-field optics and field-enhanced spectroscopy into optical antennas, this interdisciplinary book is an indispensable resource for researchers and graduate students in engineering, optics and photonics, physics and chemistry.




Nanobiosensors and Nanobioanalyses


Book Description

This book provides a comprehensive review of established, cutting-edge, and future trends in the exponentially growing field of nanomaterials and their applications in biosensors and bioanalyses. Part I focuses on the key principles and transduction approaches, reviewing the timeline featuring the important historical milestones in the development and application of nanomaterials in biosensors and bioanalyses. Part II reviews various architectures used in nanobiosensing designs focusing on nanowires, one- and two-dimensional nanostructures, and plasmonic nanobiosensors with interferometric reflectance imaging. Commonly used nanomaterials, functionalization of the nanomaterials, and development of nanobioelectronics are discussed in detail in Part III with examples from screen-printed electrodes, nanocarbon films, and semiconductor quantum dots. Part IV reviews the current applications of carbon nanotubes, nanoneedles, plasmonic sensors, electrochemical scanning microscopes, and field-effect transistors with the future outlook for emerging technologies. Attention is also given to potential challenges, in particular, of taking these technologies at the point-of-need. The book concludes by providing a condensed summary of the contents, with emphasis on future directions. Nanomaterials have become an essential part of biosensors and bioanalyses in the detection and monitoring of medical, pharmaceutical, and environmental conditions, from cancer to chemical warfare agents. This book, with its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, will be an essential guide for all those involved in the research, design, development, and application of nanomaterials in biosensors and bioanalyses.




Clean Electricity From Photovoltaics (2nd Edition)


Book Description

The second edition of Clean Electricity from Photovoltaics, first published in 2001, provides an updated account of the underlying science, technology and market prospects for photovoltaics. All areas have advanced considerably in the decade since the first edition was published, which include: multi-crystalline silicon cell efficiencies having made impressive advances, thin-film CdTe cells having established a decisive market presence, and organic photovoltaics holding out the prospect of economical large-scale power production.




Lithium Niobate Photonics


Book Description

This new resource presents the concepts, technologies, and design techniques for devices based on the electro-optic effect in lithium niobate. It bridges from the theory of photonics and electro-optics, to the practice of electro-optic device design and application. There is an emphasis on practical analysis using modern modeling tools. The book explains the fundamental physics of the electro-optic effect, classes of electro-optic materials, electro-optic properties of lithium niobate, and the physics and uses of ferroelectric domain inversion. Readers are also provided with the principles of operation, performance measures, and design considerations for the most common types of electro-optic devices: beam deflectors, intensity and phase modulators, including quasi-phased matched devices.




Handbook of Molecular Plasmonics


Book Description

While several reviews and books on surface nanophotonics and fluorescence spectroscopy are available, an updated focus on molecular plasmonics, including both theoretical methods and experimental aspects, is still lacking. This handbook is a comprehensive overview on the physics of the plasmon–emitter interaction, ranging from electromagnetism to quantum mechanics, from metal-enhanced fluorescence to surface-enhanced Raman scattering, from optical microscopy to synthesis of metal nanoparticles, filling the gap in the literature of this merging field. It allows experimentalists to have a solid theoretical reference at a different level of accuracy, and theoreticians to find new stimuli for novel computational methods and emerging applications.




Principles of Nano-Optics


Book Description

First published in 2006, this book has become the standard reference on nano-optics. Now in its second edition, the text has been thoroughly updated to take into account new developments and research directions. While the overall structure and pedagogical style of the book remain unchanged, all existing chapters have been expanded and a new chapter has been added. Adopting a broad perspective, the authors provide a detailed overview of the theoretical and experimental concepts that are needed to understand and work in nano-optics, across subfields ranging from quantum optics to biophysics. New topics of discussion include: optical antennas; new imaging techniques; Fano interference and strong coupling; reciprocity; metamaterials; and cavity optomechanics. With numerous end-of-chapter problem sets and illustrative material to expand on ideas discussed in the main text, this is an ideal textbook for graduate students entering the field. It is also a valuable reference for researchers and course teachers.




Plasmon-enhanced light-matter interactions


Book Description

This book highlights cutting-edge research in surface plasmons, discussing the different types and providing a comprehensive overview of their applications. Surface plasmons (SPs) receive special attention in nanoscience and nanotechnology due to their unique optical, electrical, magnetic, and catalytic properties when operating at the nanoscale. The excitation of SPs in metal nanostructures enables the manipulation of light beyond the diffraction limit, which can be utilized for enhancing and tailoring light-matter interactions and developing ultra-compact high-performance nanophotonic devices for various applications. With clear and understandable illustrations, tables, and descriptions, this book provides physicists, materials scientists, chemists, engineers, and their students with a fundamental understanding of surface plasmons and device applications as a basis for future developments.