Plasmon-Induced Plasma Spectroscopy: Space Electro-Optical and Infrared Sensing (EO/IR)
Abstract
University of New Mexico Grant #: FA9453-15-1-0078 “Plasmon-Induced Plasma Spectroscopy: Space Electro-Optical and Infrared Sensing (EO/IR)” Abstract The invention of lasers in research labs has brought fundamental changes on the daily life of society. Lasers are now critical technology of the US economy. Their applications range from bar-code readers and compact discs to fundamental scientific and technological research. Some of the key applications of laser in research are remote sensing and materials identification that requires high output powers. And the need for high output powers requires lasers with large physical dimensions, which is inconvenient for remote sensing applications. An optical effect that is known as localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) can be used to dramatically enhance the intensity of laser field locally but significant research advance is needed. The goal of this proposal is to utilize LSPR local field for remote sensing and chemical identifications. To this end, plasmonic nanoantennas will be designed and fabricated for extreme local field (near-field) enhancement such that the local electric field intensity is comparable to the intensity of high power lasers. The performance of the plasmonic nanodevices will be tested by studying photochemical reaction of model organic compounds. The chemical changes induced by the local field will be studied by mapping the chemical changes spatially with about 10 nm resolution (1 nm = 10-9 m) as well as by observing the spectral changes. The proposed research is based on novel experimental concept that can potentially open new research directions in fundamental chemistry and physics of chemical processes induced by surface plasmon near-field. Successful implementation of this research can enable chemical identification and plasma generation that are currently possible using expensive and bulky high power lasers. Graduate and undergraduate students as well as high school students will participate in this research project. Over the past three years, the PI Habteyes has mentored four graduate students, seven undergraduate (two of them have co-authored articles recently), provided experimental demonstrations and training to several high school teachers and students, utilized his research lab to introduce a research-type experiment to the undergraduate chemistry course and established productive collaborations with scientists in the federal labs located in Albuquerque. Through the proposed research, the PI will continue to involve students from the historically underrepresented groups of society to engage young scientists in science education and research to fulfill the mission of the University of New Mexico, a major Hispanic-Serving Institution.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 18, 2016
- Source ID
- FA94531510078
Entities
People
- Terefe G Habteyes
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory
- United States Air Force
- University of New Mexico