Quantum Nano Plasmonics

With examples throughout, this step-by-step approach makes quantum theory of plasmons accessible to readers without specialized training in theory.

This book presents the latest results of quantum properties of light in the nanostructured environment supporting surface plasmons, including waveguide quantum electrodynamics, quantum emitters, strong-coupling phenomena and lasing in plasmonic structures. Different approaches are described for controlling the emission and propagation of light with extreme light confinement and field enhancement provided by surface plasmons. Recent progress is reviewed in both experimental and theoretical investigations within quantum plasmonics, elucidating the fundamental physical phenomena involved and discussing the realization of quantum-controlled devices, including single-photon sources, transistors and ultra-compact circuitry at the nanoscale.

This book brings together more closely researchers working in the two fields of quantum optics and nano-optics and provides a general overview of the main topics of interest in applied and fundamental research. The contributions cover, for example, single-photon emitters and emitters of entangled photon pairs based on epitaxially grown semiconductor quantum dots, nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond as single-photon emitters, coupled quantum bits based on trapped ions, integrated waveguide superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors, quantum nano-plasmonics, nanosensing, quantum aspects of biophotonics and quantum metamaterials. The articles span the bridge from pedagogical introductions on the fundamental principles to the current state-of-the-art, and are authored by pioneers and leaders in the field. Numerical simulations are presented as a powerful tool to gain insight into the physical behavior of nanophotonic systems and provide a critical complement to experimental investigations and design of devices.

This classroom-tested textbook is a modern primer on the rapidly developing field of quantum nano optics which investigates the optical properties of nanosized materials. The essentials of both classical and quantum optics are presented before embarking through a stimulating selection of further topics, such as various plasmonic phenomena, thermal effects, open quantum systems, and photon noise. Didactic and thorough in style, and requiring only basic knowledge of classical electrodynamics, the text provides all further physics background and additional mathematical and computational tools in a self-contained way. Numerous end-of-chapter exercises allow students to apply and test their understanding of the chapter topics and to refine their problem-solving techniques.

This thesis provides a comprehensive introduction to two active research directions within the field of plasmonics: (i) nonclassical, or quantum, aspects of the plasmonic response; and (ii) two-dimensional plasmonics, a recent innovation in the field stimulated by the advent of two-dimensional materials. It discusses the fundamentals of this field in detail, and explores several current research directions. Nonclassical plasmonics has been spurred on in recent years by the tremendous technological progress in nanofabrication and optical characterization; today, it is possible to investigate the plasmonic features of nanostructures with characteristic features in the few nanometer range. The book describes and analyzes the breakdown of the classical theory under these conditions and explores several alternatives and extensions. The unique electronic and dimensional features of novel two-dimensional materials, such as graphene, lie at the core of plasmonics' most rapidly developing subfield; two-dimensional plasmonics. This thesis provides a clear and comprehensive exposition of the central features for interested researchers looking for an entry point to this riveting area.

Nanoplasmonics is one of the most important growth areas of this century. It is part of nano-optics and nanophotonics and deals with oscillations of electrons in metallic nanoparticles and nanostructures. Also, it is a multidisciplinary subject covering atomic, molecular, and solid-state physics, as well as much of chemistry. Nanoplasmonics makes i

What is a plasmon? Is it a particle, like a photon or a wave? Plasmonics stands at the frontier of condensed matter physics, which is the world of electrons, optics and of photons. Plasmonics is one of the most active fields in nanophotonics. This book begins by exploring the concepts behind waves, and the electromagnetic description of light when it interacts with metals; it dedicates every chapter thereafter to all aspects of plasmonics. In particular, the surface plasmon polariton wave is explained in full detail, as well as the localized surface plasmon resonance of metallic nanoparticles. The active research area opened by plasmonics, as well as its applications, are also briefly explained, such as advanced biosensing, subwavelength waveguiding, quantum plasmonics, nanoparticle-based cancer therapies, optical nano-antenna and high-efficiency photovoltaic cells.The book is adapted for graduate students and places a special emphasis on providing complete explanations of the fundamental concepts of plasmonics. Further, each of these concepts is illustrated with examples drawn from the most recent scientific literature. Each chapter ends with a set of exercises that will help the reader revise the concepts and go deeper into the world of plasmonics. More than 70 exercises are included.

During the last few years, nanomaterials have attracted the attention of the scientific community due to their extraordinary and unique properties. Their small size, and the distinctive features that come with it, makes these materials very attractive for use in different important fields like biomedicine, sensors, or catalysis. One of the most important properties of these materials is their interaction with light and is called surface plasmon resonance. It is a phenomenon that happens on the surface of certain nanomaterials that confers them with unique properties. This remarkable characteristic has opened a whole new field called nanoplasmonics that is acquiring more and more importance among the scientific community. This book aims to review the state of the art in this new field and provide the reader with a wide overview of the new nanomaterials available and their current and future applications.