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Volume 1 Issue 3-4

Issue of Nanophotonics

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Contents
Journal Overview

Masthead

Publicly Available December 6, 2012

Reviews

Publicly Available December 6, 2012

Physics of the zero- photonic gap: fundamentals and latest developments

Lei Zhou, Zhengyong Song, Xueqin Huang, C.T. Chan

Page range: 181-198

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Abstract

A short overview is presented on the research works related to the zero- gap, which appears as the volume-averaged refraction index vanishes in photonic structures containing both positive and negative-index materials. After introducing the basic concept of the zero- gap based on both rigorous mathematics and numerical simulations, the unique properties of such a band gap are discussed, including its robustness against weak disorder, wide-incidence-angle operation and scaling invariance, which do not belong to a conventional Bragg gap. We then describe the simulation and experimental verifications on the zero- gap and its extraordinary properties in different frequency domains. After that, the unusual photonic and physical effects discovered based on the zero- gap and their potential applications are reviewed, including beam manipulations and nonlinear effects. Before concluding this review, several interesting ideas inspired from the zero- gap works will be introduced, including the zero-phase gaps, zero-permittivity and zero-permeability gaps, complete band gaps, and zero-refraction-index materials with Dirac-Cone dispersion.

Publicly Available December 6, 2012

Coating matters: the influence of coating materials on the optical properties of gold nanoparticles

Munish Chanana, Luis M. Liz-Marzán

Page range: 199-220

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Abstract

An essential element in the synthesis of nanomaterials based on gold nanoparticles comprises the control over parameters such as size, shape and composition, due to their strong influence on the properties of the particles. However, it is the coating material which often plays the primary role in tuning the size, morphology, and even plasmon resonance wavelength or mode multiplicity, as well as colloidal stability and functional versatility, ultimately determining the physical, chemical, optical, electronic and catalytic properties of the nanoparticles. Therefore, it is utterly important to select the adequate wet chemistry synthetic approach with the most suitable coating material for the preparation of gold nanoparticles with the desired requirements. Within this context, this review is focused on describing various types of organic and inorganic coating materials for gold nanoparticles that may notably affect their optical properties by either directly influencing the synthesis procedure or by changing their chemical and physical properties upon post-synthetic modifications, such that they exhibit novel and useful optical properties.

Publicly Available December 6, 2012

Enhanced nonlinearities using plasmonic nanoantennas

Pai-Yen Chen, Christos Argyropoulos, Andrea Alù

Page range: 221-233

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Abstract

In this paper, we review and discuss how nanoantennas may be used to largely enhance the nonlinear response of optical materials. For single nanoantennas, there have been tremendous advancements in understanding how to exploit the local field enhancement to boost the nonlinear susceptibility at the surface or sharp edges of plasmonic metals. After an overview of the work in this area, we discuss the possibility of controlling the optical nonlinear response using nanocircuit concepts and of significantly enhancing various nonlinear optical processes using planar arrays of plasmonic nanoantennas loaded with χ (2) or χ (3) nonlinear optical materials, forming ultrathin, nanometer-scale nonlinear metasurfaces, as optical nanodevices. We describe how this concept may be used to boost the efficiency of nonlinear wave mixing and optical bistability, due to the large local field enhancement at the nonlinear nanoloads associated with the plasmonic features of suitably tailored nanoantenna designs. We finally discuss three exciting applications of the proposed nonlinear metasurface: dramatically-enhanced frequency conversion efficiency, efficient phase-conjugation for super-resolution imaging and large optical bistabilities.

Publicly Available December 6, 2012

Nanoplasmonics: a frontier of photovoltaic solar cells

Min Gu, Zi Ouyang, Baohua Jia, Nicholas Stokes, Xi Chen, Narges Fahim, Xiangping Li, Michael James Ventura, Zhengrong Shi

Page range: 235-248

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Abstract

Nanoplasmonics recently has emerged as a new frontier of photovoltaic research. Noble metal nanostructures that can concentrate and guide light have demonstrated great capability for dramatically improving the energy conversion efficiency of both laboratory and industrial solar cells, providing an innovative pathway potentially transforming the solar industry. However, to make the nanoplasmonic technology fully appreciated by the solar industry, key challenges need to be addressed; including the detrimental absorption of metals, broadband light trapping mechanisms, cost of plasmonic nanomaterials, simple and inexpensive fabrication and integration methods of the plasmonic nanostructures, which are scalable for full size manufacture. This article reviews the recent progress of plasmonic solar cells including the fundamental mechanisms, material fabrication, theoretical modelling and emerging directions with a distinct emphasis on solutions tackling the above-mentioned challenges for industrial relevant applications.

Publicly Available December 6, 2012

Nanoplasmonic sensing for nanomaterials science

Elin M. Larsson, Svetlana Syrenova, Christoph Langhammer

Page range: 249-266

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Abstract

Nanoplasmonic sensing has over the last two decades emerged as and diversified into a very promising experimental platform technology for studies of biomolecular interactions and for biomolecule detection (biosensors). Inspired by this success, in more recent years, nanoplasmonic sensing strategies have been adapted and tailored successfully for probing functional nanomaterials and catalysts in situ and in real time. An increasing number of these studies focus on using the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) as an experimental tool to study a process of interest in a nanomaterial, with a materials science focus. The key assets of nanoplasmonic sensing in this area are its remote readout, non-invasive nature, single particle experiment capability, ease of use and, maybe most importantly, unmatched flexibility in terms of compatibility with all material types (particles and thin/thick layers, conductive or insulating) are identified. In a direct nanoplasmonic sensing experiment the plasmonic nanoparticles are active and simultaneously constitute the sensor and the studied nano-entity. In an indirect nanoplasmonic sensing experiment the plasmonic nanoparticles are inert and adjacent to the material of interest to probe a process occurring in/on this material. In this review we define and discuss these two generic experimental strategies and summarize the growing applications of nanoplasmonic sensors as experimental tools to address materials science-related questions.

Publicly Available December 6, 2012

Review Label-free detection with high-Q microcavities: a review of biosensing mechanisms for integrated devices

Frank Vollmer, Lan Yang

Page range: 267-291

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Abstract

Optical microcavities that confine light in high-Q resonance promise all of the capabilities required for a successful next-generation microsystem biodetection technology. Label-free detection down to single molecules as well as operation in aqueous environments can be integrated cost-effectively on microchips, together with other photonic components, as well as electronic ones. We provide a comprehensive review of the sensing mechanisms utilized in this emerging field, their physics, engineering and material science aspects, and their application to nanoparticle analysis and biomolecular detection. We survey the most recent developments such as the use of mode splitting for self-referenced measurements, plasmonic nanoantennas for signal enhancements, the use of optical force for nanoparticle manipulation as well as the design of active devices for ultra-sensitive detection. Furthermore, we provide an outlook on the exciting capabilities of functionalized high-Q microcavities in the life sciences.

Journal Overview

About this journal

Nanophotonics covers recent international research results, specific developments in the field and novel applications and is published in partnership with Sciencewise. It belongs to the top journals in the field. Nanophotonics focuses on the interaction of photons with nano-structures, such as carbon nano-tubes, nano metal particles, nano crystals, semiconductor nano dots, photonic crystals, tissue and DNA. The journal covers the latest developments for physicists, engineers and material scientists, working in fields related to:

Plasmonics: metallic nanostructures and their optical properties

Meta materials, fundamentals and applications

Nanophotonic concepts and devices for solar energy harvesting and conversion

Near-field optical microscopy

Nanowaveguides and devices

Nano Lasers

Nanostructures, nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowires, nanofibers

Photonic crystals

Integrated silicon photonics

Semiconductor quantum dots

Quantum optics & Quantum information

Ultrafast and nonlinear pulse propagation in nano materials and structures

Light-matter interaction, optical manipulation techniques

Nano-biophotonics

Optofluidics

Optomechanics

System applications based on nanophotonic devices

Nanofabrication techniques, thin film processing, self-assembly

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Publication Metrics

Average time from submission to initial Editorial Manager assessment: 5 days

Average time from submission to final decision (all article types): 57 days

Average time from acceptance to publication: 13 days

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Early Career Award 2023

The Early Career Award for 2023 is now open and welcoming nominations!

Do you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of nanophotonics? Nominate them for the Nanophotonics Early Career Award! This prestigious award recognizes four early career scientists annually for their accomplishments. Help them gain the recognition they deserve by submitting a nomination.

The award winners are awarded a prize of 1000 EUR and a waiver for publishing in Nanophotonics without charge.
Visit the award webpage for more information on the award, the criteria, and how to submit your nomination.
This award is fully sponsored by the Nanophotonics journal.

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Celebrating Young Scientists at Conferences

Nanophotonics supports young scientists through the sponsorship of poster awards at global conferences, recognizing the work of over 50 researchers every year. Please visit the winners' gallery to view their accomplishments.

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Special/Topical Issues

Published in 2023:

Quantum Nanophotonics (Guest Editors: Jaehyuck Jang, Minsu Jeong, and Junsuk Rho)

Neural network learning with photonics and for photonic circuit design (Guest Editors: Daniel Brunner, Miguel C. Soriano, and Shanhui Fan)

Nanofabrication (Guest Editors: Maria Farsari, Sang-Hyun Oh, and Joel Yang) 　

Metamaterials and Plasmonics in Asia (Guest Editors: Lei Zhou, JeongWeon Wu, Q-Han Park, Namkyoo Park and Teruya Ishihara)

Nanophotonics in support of Ukrainian Scientists (Guest Editors: Nader Engheta and Nikolay Zheludev; Publishing Editor: Dennis Couwenberg)　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Published in 2022:

Photonic Angular Momentum (Guest Editors: Andrew Forbes, Qiwen Zhan and Siddharth Ramachandran)

New Trends in Nanophotonics and Advanced Photonic Materials (Guest Editor: Junsuk Rho)

Metamaterials and Plasmonics in Asia (Guest Editors: Lei Zhou, Tiejun Cui, JeongWeon Wu and Teruya Ishihara)

Tunable Nanophotonics (Guest Editors: Juejun Hu, Arseniy I. Kuznetsov, Volker J. Sorger, and Isabelle Staude)

Novel Two-Dimensional Materials Based Bio-Nanophotonic (Guest Editors: Hans Ågren, Jong Seung Kim and Han Zhang)

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Highly cited articles:

Polariton panorama
by D. N. Basov, Ana Asenjo-Garcia, P. James Schuck, Xiaoyang Zhu, Angel Rubio

Ultrasensitive terahertz sensing with high-Q toroidal dipole resonance governed by bound states in the continuum in all-dielectric metasurface
by Yulin Wang, Zhanghua Han, Yong Du, Jianyuan Qin

Non-Hermitian and topological photonics: optics at an exceptional point
by Midya Parto, Yuzhou G. N. Liu, Babak Bahari, Mercedeh Khajavikhan, Demetrios N. Christodoulides

Metasurfaces for biomedical applications: imaging and sensing from a nanophotonics perspective
by Shuyan Zhang, Chi Lok Wong, Shuwen Zeng, Renzhe Bi, Kolvyn Tai, Kishan Dholakia, Malini Olivo

THz spintronic emitters: a review on achievements and future challenges
by Evangelos Th. Papaioannou and René Beigang

Machine learning–assisted global optimization of photonic devices
by Zhaxylyk A. Kudyshev, Alexander V. Kildishev, Vladimir M. Shalaev, Alexandra Boltasseva

Topological photonics: Where do we go from here?
by Mordechai Segev, Miguel A. Bandres

Highly ordered arrays of hat-shaped hierarchical nanostructures with different curvatures for sensitive SERS and plasmon-driven catalysis
by Chao Zhang, Zhaoxiang Li, Si Qiu, Weixi Lu, Mingrui Shao, Chang Ji, Guangcan Wang, Xiaofei Zhao, Jing Yu and Zhen Li

Review on fractional vortex beam
by Hao Zhang, Jun Zeng, Xingyuan Lu, Zhuoyi Wang, Chengliang Zhao and Yangjian Cai

Orbital angular momentum and beyond in free-space optical communications
by Jian Wang, Jun Liu, Shuhui Li, Yifan Zhao, Jing Du and Long Zhu

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