Far-Field Super-Resolution Mapping of Localised Surface Plasmons and Nano-Antennas
Abstract
In the first six months a nanoantennas with resonances at a position suitable for this project was fabricated. A dye emitting in a region matched to this was identified (ATTO 647N) and deposited on the antennas. Confocal fluorescence measurements on this sample showed that the dye emitted more light in the vicinity of the antennas, hinting that the nanoantennas enhanced the fluorescence of the dye. At the 12 month mark the following achievements were reported: 1) the polymer films used as matrix to host the dyes were greatly improved, leading to smoother surfaces. The concentration of dye in the film was optimized to provide maximum fluorescence without self-quenching; 2) implemented the tools required to conduct lifetime measurements in house, along with Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy. Lifetime measurements are now routine in the lab; 3) more antennas were produced, but unfortunately no fluorescence enhancement were observed. Further characterization of the antennas by SEM has shown that they were not fit for purpose because of faulty shapes; 4) work began on developing the theory and simulation background to be able to understand in depth the processes at play when the STED technique is used with highly scattering objects (metal particles/antennas), with Dr. Yonatan Sivan (Newton Fellow in the group of Prof. Sir John Pendy) ; 5) the influence of antennas on lifetime as been studied theoretically, with Dr. Vincenzo Giannini, and the outcomes have been published in Small. In the last 6 months of this effort a new dye was identified which was more prone to have its fluorescence properties enhanced by nanoantennas. New sets of antennas were produced, with reproducible properties, and gap small enough to lead to large field enhancements. Combining those two ingredients, it demonstrates that you can observe fluorescence enhancement fostered by plasmonic antennas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA548442
Entities
People
- Stefan A. Maier
- Yannick Sonnefraud
Organizations
- Imperial College London