This thesis presents a comprehensive theoretical description of classical and quantum aspects of plasmonics in three and two dimensions, and also in transdimensional systems containing elements with different dimensionalities. It focuses on the theoretical understanding of the salient features of plasmons in nanosystems as well as on the multifaceted aspects of plasmon-enhanced light–matter interactions at the nanometer scale. Special emphasis is given to the modeling of nonclassical behavior across the transition regime bridging the classical and the quantum domains. The research presented in this dissertation provides useful tools for understanding surface plasmons in various two- and three-dimensional nanostructures, as well as quantum mechanical effects in their response and their joint impact on light–matter interactions at the extreme nanoscale. These contributions constitute novel and solid advancements in the research field of plasmonics and nanophotonics that will help guide future experimental investigations in the blossoming field of nanophotonics, and also facilitate the design of the next generation of truly nanoscale nanophotonic devices.

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.

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.

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Two-Dimensional Electronics and Optoelectronics" that was published in Electronics

Metal-semiconductor nanostructures represent an important new class of materials employed in designing advanced optoelectronic and nanophotonic devices, such as plasmonic nanolasers, plasmon-enhanced light-emitting diodes and solar cells, plasmonic emitters of single photons, and quantum devices operating in infrared and terahertz domains. The combination of surface plasmon resonances in conducting structures, providing strong concentration of an electromagnetic optical field nearby, with sharp optical resonances in semiconductors, which are highly sensitive to external electromagnetic fields, creates a platform to control light on the nanoscale. The design of the composite metal-semiconductor system imposes the consideration of both the plasmonic resonances in metal and the optical transitions in semiconductors - a key issue being their resonant interaction providing a coupling regime. In this book the reader will find descriptions of electrodynamics of conducting structures, quantum physics of semiconductor nanostructures, and guidelines for advanced engineering of metal-semiconductor composites. These constituents form together the physical basics of the metal-semiconductor plasmonics, underlying many effective practical applications. The list of covered topics also includes the review of recent results, such as the achievement of a strong coupling regime, and the preservation of non-classical statistics of photons in plasmonic cavities combined with semiconductor nanostructures.

The investigation of light-matter interactions in materials, especially those on the nanoscale, represents perhaps the most promising avenue for scientific progress in the fields of photonics and plasmonics. This book examines a variety of topics, starting from fundamental principles, leading to the current state of the art research. For example, this volume includes a chapter on the sensing of biological molecules with optical resonators (microspheres) combined with plasmonic systems, where the response this system are described in a fundamental and elegant manner using coupled mode theory. Symmetry plays a major role in the book. One chapter on time reversal symmetry in electromagnetic theory describes how to control the properties of light (e.g. scattering and directionality of the flow of light) in materials with certain topological invariants. Another chapter where symmetry is prominent reformulates, using a gentle and pedagogical approach, Maxwell’s Equations into a new set of fields that reveal a “handedness” symmetry in electromagnetic theory, which can be applied to photonic systems in, for example, the sensing of chiral molecules and understanding the conditions for zero reflection. Also, for students and researchers starting in the field of nanoplasmonics, the book includes a tutorial on the finite element time domain simulation of nanoplasmonic systems. Other topics include photonic systems for quantum computing, nanoplasmonics, and optical properties of nano and bulk materials. The authors take a pedagogical approach to their topic, making the book an excellent reference for graduate students and scientists starting in the fields of photonics or plasmonics.

A one-of-a-kind text offering an introduction to the use of spectroscopic ellipsometry for novel material characterization In Introduction to Spectroscopic Ellipsometry of Thin Film Materials: Instrumentation, Data Analysis and Applications, a team of eminent researchers delivers an incisive exploration of how the traditional experimental technique of spectroscopic ellipsometry is used to characterize the intrinsic properties of novel materials. The book focuses on the scientifically and technologically important two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDs), magnetic oxides like manganite materials, and unconventional superconductors, including copper oxide systems. The distinguished authors discuss the characterization of properties, like electronic structures, interfacial properties, and the consequent quasiparticle dynamics in novel quantum materials. Along with illustrative and specific case studies on how spectroscopic ellipsometry is used to study the optical and quasiparticle properties of novel systems, the book includes: Thorough introductions to the basic principles of spectroscopic ellipsometry and strongly correlated systems, including copper oxides and manganites Comprehensive explorations of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides Practical discussions of single layer graphene systems and nickelate systems In-depth examinations of potential future developments and applications of spectroscopic ellipsometry Perfect for master’s- and PhD-level students in physics and chemistry, Introduction to Spectroscopic Ellipsometry of Thin Film Materials will also earn a place in the libraries of those studying materials science seeking a one-stop reference for the applications of spectroscopic ellipsometry to novel developed materials.

A comprehensive and accessible introduction to 2D materials, covering basic physics, electronic and optical properties, and potential applications.

The special optical properties of subwavelength metallic structures have opened up for numerous applications in different fields. The interaction of light with metal nanostructures leads to the excitation of collective oscillations of conduction-band electrons, known as plasmons. These plasmon excitations are responsible for the high absorption and high scattering of light in metallic nanostructures. High absorption of light and the subsequent temperature increase in the nanostructures make them suitable as point-like heat sources that can be controlled remotely by light. The research presented in this thesis focuses on the development and studies of hybrid devices that combine light-induced heating in plasmonic nanostructures with other materials and systems. Particular focus is put on hybrid organic-inorganic systems for applications in energy harvesting as well as in heat and radiation sensing. Harvesting energy from light fluctuations was achieved in a hybrid device consisting of plasmonic gold nanodisk arrays and a pyroelectric copolymer. In this concept, fast and efficient light-induced heating in the gold nanodisks modulated the temperature of the pyroelectric layer, which could be used to extract electrical energy from fluctuations in simulated sunlight. Integrating plasmonic nanostructures with complementary materials can also provide novel hybrid sensors, for monitoring of temperature, heat flux and radiation. In this thesis work, a hybrid sensor was designed based on the combination of a plasmonic gold nanohole layer with a pyroelectric copolymer and an ionic thermoelectric gel. The gold nanohole arrays acted both as broadband light absorbers in the visible to near-infrared spectral range of the solar spectrum and also as one of the electrodes of the sensor. In contrast to the constituent components when used separately, the hybrid sensor could provide both fast and stable signals upon heat or radiation stimuli, as well as enhanced equilibrium signals. Furthermore, a concept for heat and radiation mapping was developed that was highly sensitive and stable despite its simple structure. The concept consisted of a gel-like electrolyte connecting two separated metal nanohole electrodes on a substrate. Resembling traditional thermocouples, this concept could autonomously detect temperature changes but with several orders of magnitudes higher sensitivity. Owing to its promising sensing properties as well as its compatibility with inexpensive mass production methods on flexible substrates, such concept may be particularly interesting for electronic skin applications for health monitoring and for humanoid robotics. Finally, we improved the possibilities for the temperature mapping of the concept by modifying the structure from lateral to vertical form. Similar to the lateral device, the vertical temperature sensor showed high temperature sensitivity and stability in producing signals upon temperature changes.

Reviews in Plasmonics is a comprehensive collection of current trends and emerging hot topics in the field of Plasmonics and closely related disciplines. It summarizes the years progress in Plasmonics and its applications, with authoritative analytical reviews specialized enough to be attractive to professional researchers, yet also appealing to the wider audience of scientists in related disciplines of Plasmonics.