Plasmon-enabled nanoscale sources of hot carriers and phonons
Abstract
The decay of localised surface plasmons in hybrid plasmonic nanostructures opens fascinating opportunities for the coherent generation of energetic carriers and phonons on ultrafast timescales. In this proposal, we aim to theoretically and experimentally demonstrate and analyse these nanoscopic processes. Of particular relevance is the development of pathways for the extraction of hot electrons on femtosecond timescales, and for the control of highly localized heat generation as well as ultrasound coherent phonons on picosecond timescales. Going beyond the traditional use of metallic nanoantennas for the confinement of optical light fields, our research is expected to show that plasmonic nanostructures also act as efficient sources of energetic matter excitations — hot electrons, holes, and incoherent as well coherent phonons. Applications range from nanoscale reactivity centres for point-contact optoelectronic devices and catalytic reactions to point-sources of heat and surface-acoustic waves.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 28, 2017
- Source ID
- FA95501710300
Entities
People
- S. Maier
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Imperial College London
- United States Air Force