Thermo-plasmonics in self-organized materials
Abstract
In this project, we will study the photo-thermal properties of nanoparticles dispersed and self-organized in smart materials such as liquid crystals and liquid crystalline DNA. The morphological investigation will be performed by using a Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEG SEM) and an AFM. In a second step, a spectral analysis of the samples will be performed (under optical illumination) in order to characterize the optical and thermo-optical properties of the systems. Different liquid crystals and several DNA will be considered and analyzed in order to generate suitable calibration curves (e.g. temperature vs pump probe power). This approach will allow us to predict the photo-induced temperature variations under a suitable light source illumination. For the first time, we will develop a new theoretical model, based on the thermal heating equation, in order to take into account the asymmetric shape of both NPs (e.g. nanorods) and the surrounding medium (e.g. LC). The theoretical model will allow us to select the material parameters (e.g. refractive index, thermal conductivity, etc.) for each specific application. The results obtained in the experimental part will be used to validate the effectiveness of the model.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501810038
Entities
People
- Luciano De Sio
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force