Manipulating light at the nanoscale with plasmonics
Mon 22 October 2018
Department of Chemistry
A Lecture by Dr Emilie Ringe, Department of Material Science and Metallurgy and Department of Earth Sciences
The second talk in a series of lectures organised by the Cambridge Philosophical Society in the Michaelmas Term 2018
Abstract: Interest in nanotechnology is driven by unprecedented means to tailor physical behavior via structure and composition. Most properties, including optical, catalytic, and electronic, can be fine-tuned through choice of composition, size, and shape of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles of free-electron metals, typically gold and silver, can in fact concentrate light via a phenomenon called localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs). LSPRs provide an attractive platform for enhanced photon absorption and scattering (far-field effects) at their (size, shape, and composition-dependent) resonance frequency, while concurrently generating a strong electric field close to the NP’s surface (near-field effects).
This talk will first discuss the fundamental science and established applications of LSPRs , including refractive index sensing and surface-enhanced spectroscopies. Then, it will address opportunities related to earth-abundant metals that provide cheap, sustainable alternatives to silver and gold. These include aluminum for UV applications and the very recently discovered nanostructured magnesium for enhanced light-matter interactions in the visible range. Together with the well-known noble metal structures, these new metals offer opportunities to harvest and manipulate light at the nanoscale to probe the world around us as well as drive chemical reactions.
Cost: Free
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Open to all who are interested, no booking required. Entrance is free to all our Cambridge Philosophical Society Lectures. For further information please contact the Executive Secretary or visit the Society's website
Enquiries: Beverley Larner Website Email: philosoc@hermes.cam.ac.uk Telephone: 01223 334743