Optical Processes behind Plasmonic Applications

Abstract

Plasmonics is a revolutionary concept in nanophotonics that combines the properties of both photonics and electronics by confining light energy to a nanometer-scale oscillating field of free electrons, known as a surface plasmon. Generation, processing, routing, and amplification of optical signals at the nanoscale hold promise for optical communications, biophotonics, sensing, chemistry, and medical applications. Surface plasmons manifest themselves as confined oscillations, allowing for optical nanoantennas, ultra-compact optical detectors, state-of-the-art sensors, data storage, and energy harvesting designs. Surface plasmons facilitate both resonant characteristics of nanostructures and guiding and controlling light at the nanoscale. Plasmonics and metamaterials enable the advancement of many photonic designs with unparalleled capabilities, including subwavelength waveguides, optical nanoresonators, super- and hyper-lenses, and light concentrators. Alternative plasmonic materials have been developed to be incorporated in the nanostructures for low losses and controlled optical characteristics along with semiconductor-process compatibility. This review describes optical processes behind a range of plasmonic applications. It pays special attention to the topics of field enhancement and collective effects in nanostructures. The advances in these research topics are expected to transform the domain of nanoscale photonics, optical metamaterials, and their various applications.

Effects of thickness and roughness on plasmonic characteristics of gold thin films deposited on polished optical fiber

“…Surface plasmons (SPs) are coherent oscillations of free electrons at the metal-dielectric interface. SPR describes the strong absorption phenomenon of transverse magnetic light caused by resonance, which occurs when the wave vector of the incident light matches that of the SPs [4,5]. SPR-based sensors are reported to be highly sensitive and enable real-time detection of heavy metals [6] and biomolecules [7].…”

Comparing amplitude-based and phase-based quantum plasmonic biosensing

“…[13][14][15][16] These sensors leverage the collective oscillations of electrons on the surface of metals-plasmons-to detect changes in the local environment. 14,17,18 The interaction of these plasmonic waves with biological or chemical samples results in a change in the local refractive index near the sensor surface. This change is detectable as a shift in the resonance frequency of the sensor, which can be monitored through alterations in the amplitude and phase of the probing light.…”

Multipole Mie Resonances in MXene-Antenna Arrays

“…36,38−41 Full-wave numerical simulations are essential for analyzing photonic nanostructures as they provide precise information regarding optical responses, including reflection, transmission, power loss (absorption), directional scattering, and field enhancement at specific points within the nanostructure. 10,42 These simulations offer essential insights into the behavior of light in complex nanoscale environments, aiding in the design and optimization of advanced photonic devices.…”

“…The electric and magnetic dipole and quadrupole moments of an antenna refer to the characteristics that describe the distribution and strength of its electric and magnetic fields, which play a significant role in determining the antenna’s radiation pattern and performance. Mie resonances are electromagnetic resonant responses that can occur in low-loss high-refractive-index or metallic nanoparticles and arise due to the interaction of light with the nanoparticle. − By incorporating metals and/or high-refractive-index materials into nanostructures, it is possible to achieve nanoscale light confinement and adaptable designs for controlling the optical field. ,− Plasmonic nanostructures take advantage of Mie resonances to efficiently manipulate light at the subwavelength scale.…”

“…Analytical models of multipole scattering, such as Mie theory and cross-sections, play a crucial role in understanding the interaction of electromagnetic waves with particles or nanostructures. − These models provide valuable insights into the scattering and absorption phenomena, enabling the characterization and design of various photonic and optoelectronic devices with enhanced functionalities . Additionally, the coupled dipole–quadrupole model for lattice structures offers a powerful framework to analyze the collective optical response of periodic arrangements of nanoparticles, facilitating the engineering of novel metasurfaces and metastructures with tailored optical properties. ,− Full-wave numerical simulations are essential for analyzing photonic nanostructures as they provide precise information regarding optical responses, including reflection, transmission, power loss (absorption), directional scattering, and field enhancement at specific points within the nanostructure. , These simulations offer essential insights into the behavior of light in complex nanoscale environments, aiding in the design and optimization of advanced photonic devices.…”