Open Access Published by De Gruyter

Volume 4 Issue 3

October 2015

Issue of Nanophotonics

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Contents
Journal Overview

Review Article

Open Access October 6, 2015

Ultrafast carrier dynamics in Landau-quantized graphene

Florian Wendler, Andreas Knorr, Ermin Malic

Page range: 224-249

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Abstract

In an external magnetic field, the energy of massless charge carriers in graphene is quantized into non-equidistant degenerate Landau levels including a zero-energy level. This extraordinary electronic dispersion gives rise to a fundamentally new dynamics of optically excited carriers. Here, we review the state of the art of the relaxation dynamics in Landau-quantized graphene focusing on microscopic insights into possible many-particle relaxation channels.We investigate optical excitation into a non equilibrium distribution followed by ultrafast carrier- carrier and carrier-phonon scattering processes. We reveal that surprisingly the Auger scattering dominates the relaxation dynamics in spite of the non-equidistant Landau quantization in graphene. Furthermore, we demonstrate how technologically relevant carrier multiplication can be achieved and discuss the possibility of optical gain in Landau-quantized graphene. The provided microscopic view on elementary many-particle processes can guide future experimental studies aiming at the design of novel graphene-based optoelectronic devices, such as highly efficient photodetectors, solar cells, and spectrally broad Landau level lasers.

Research Articles

Open Access October 6, 2015

Template-Guided Self-Assembly of Discrete Optoplasmonic Molecules and Extended Optoplasmonic Arrays

Björn M. Reinhard, Wonmi Ahn, Yan Hong, Svetlana V. Boriskina, Xin Zhao

Page range: 250-260

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Abstract

The integration of metallic and dielectric building blocks into optoplasmonic structures creates new electromagnetic systems in which plasmonic and photonic modes can interact in the near-, intermediate- and farfield. The morphology-dependent electromagnetic coupling between the different building blocks in these hybrid structures provides a multitude of opportunities for controlling electromagnetic fields in both spatial and frequency domain as well as for engineering the phase landscape and the local density of optical states. Control over any of these properties requires, however, rational fabrication approaches for well-defined metal-dielectric hybrid structures. Template-guided self-assembly is a versatile fabrication method capable of integrating metallic and dielectric components into discrete optoplasmonic structures, arrays, or metasurfaces. The structural flexibility provided by the approach is illustrated by two representative implementations of optoplasmonic materials discussed in this review. In optoplasmonic atoms or molecules optical microcavities (OMs) serve as whispering gallery mode resonators that provide a discrete photonic mode spectrum to interact with plasmonic nanostructures contained in the evanescent fields of the OMs. In extended hetero-nanoparticle arrays in-plane scattered light induces geometry-dependent photonic resonances that mix with the localized surface plasmon resonances of the metal nanoparticles.We characterize the fundamental electromagnetic working principles underlying both optoplasmonic approaches and review the fabrication strategies implemented to realize them.

Open Access October 6, 2015

A compact plasmonic MOS-based 2×2 electro-optic switch

Chenran Ye, Ke Liu, Richard A. Soref, Volker J. Sorger

Page range: 261-268

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Abstract

We report on a three-waveguide electro-optic switch for compact photonic integrated circuits and data routing applications. The device features a plasmonic metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) mode for enhanced light-matter-interactions. The switching mechanism originates from a capacitor-like design where the refractive index of the active medium, indium-tin-oxide, is altered via shifting the plasma frequency due to carrier accumulation inside the waveguide-based MOS structure. This light manipulation mechanism controls the transmission direction of transverse magnetic polarized light into either a CROSS or BAR waveguide port. The extinction ratio of 18 (7) dB for the CROSS (BAR) state, respectively, is achieved via a gating voltage bias. The ultrafast broadband fJ/bit device allows for seamless integration with silicon-on-insulator platforms for low-cost manufacturing.

Open Access October 6, 2015

Colloidal Plasmonic Titanium Nitride Nanoparticles: Properties and Applications

Urcan Guler, Sergey Suslov, Alexander V. Kildishev, Alexandra Boltasseva, Vladimir M. Shalaev

Page range: 269-276

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Abstract

Optical properties of colloidal plasmonic titanium nitride nanoparticles are examined with an eye on their photothermal and photocatalytic applications via transmission electron microscopy and optical transmittance measurements. Single crystal titanium nitride cubic nanoparticles with an average size of 50 nm, which was found to be the optimum size for cellular uptake with gold nanoparticles [1], exhibit plasmon resonance in the biological transparency window and demonstrate a high absorption efficiency. A self-passivating native oxide at the surface of the nanoparticles provides an additional degree of freedom for surface functionalization. The titanium oxide shell surrounding the plasmonic core can create new opportunities for photocatalytic applications.

Review Articles

Open Access October 6, 2015

State-of-the-art photodetectors for optoelectronic integration at telecommunication wavelength

Png Ching Eng, Sun Song, Bai Ping

Page range: 277-302

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Abstract

Photodetectors hold a critical position in optoelectronic integrated circuits, and they convert light into electricity. Over the past decades, high-performance photodetectors (PDs) have been aggressively pursued to enable high-speed, large-bandwidth, and low-noise communication applications. Various material systems have been explored and different structures designed to improve photodetection capability as well as compatibility with CMOS circuits. In this paper, we review state-of-theart photodetection technologies in the telecommunications spectrum based on different material systems, including traditional semiconductors such as InGaAs, Si, Ge and HgCdTe, as well as recently developed systems such as low-dimensional materials (e.g. graphene, carbon nanotube, etc.) and noble metal plasmons. The corresponding material properties, fundamental mechanisms, fabrication, theoretical modelling and performance of the typical PDs are presented, including the emerging directions and perspectives of the PDs for optoelectronic integration applications are discussed.

Open Access October 6, 2015

Limitations of Extreme Nonlinear Ultrafast Nanophotonics

Christian Kern, Michael Zürch, Christian Spielmann

Page range: 303-323

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Abstract

High-harmonic generation (HHG) has been established as an indispensable tool in optical spectroscopy. This effect arises for instance upon illumination of a noble gas with sub-picosecond laser pulses at focussed intensities significantly greater than 1012W/cm2. HHG provides a coherent light source in the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) spectral region, which is of importance in inner shell photo ionization of many atoms and molecules. Additionally, it intrinsically features light fields with unique temporal properties. Even in its simplest realization, XUV bursts of sub-femtosecond pulse lengths are released. More sophisticated schemes open the path to attosecond physics by offering single pulses of less than 100 attoseconds duration. Resonant optical antennas are important tools for coupling and enhancing electromagnetic fields on scales below their free-space wavelength. In a special application, placing field-enhancing plasmonic nano antennas at the interaction site of an HHG experiment has been claimed to boost local laser field strengths, from insufficient initial intensities to sufficient values. This was achieved with the use of arrays of bow-tie-shaped antennas of ∼ 100nm in length. However, the feasibility of this concept depends on the vulnerability of these nano-antennas to the still intense driving laser light.We show, by looking at a set of exemplary metallic structures, that the threshold fluence Fth of laser-induced damage (LID) is a greatly limiting factor for the proposed and tested schemes along these lines.We present our findings in the context of work done by other groups, giving an assessment of the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed scheme.

Research Article

Open Access October 6, 2015

Propagation and survival of frequency-bin entangled photons in metallic nanostructures

Laurent Olislager, Wakana Kubo, Takuo Tanaka, Simona Ungureanu, Renaud A. L. Vallée, Branko Kolaric, Philippe Emplit, Serge Massar

Page range: 324-331

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Abstract

We report on the design of two plasmonic nanostructures and the propagation of frequency-bin entangled photons through them. The experimental findings clearly show the robustness of frequency-bin entanglement, which survives after interactions with both a hybrid plasmo-photonic structure, and a nano-pillar array. These results confirm that quantum states can be encoded into the collective motion of a many-body electronic system without demolishing their quantum nature, and pave the way towards applications of plasmonic structures in quantum information.

Review Article

Open Access November 6, 2015

Ultrafast-laser-inscribed 3D integrated photonics: challenges and emerging applications

S. Gross, M. J. Withford

Page range: 332-352

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Abstract

Since the discovery that tightly focused femtosecond laser pulses can induce a highly localised and permanent refractive index modification in a large number of transparent dielectrics, the technique of ultrafast laser inscription has received great attention from a wide range of applications. In particular, the capability to create three-dimensional optical waveguide circuits has opened up new opportunities for integrated photonics that would not have been possible with traditional planar fabrication techniques because it enables full access to the many degrees of freedom in a photon. This paper reviews the basic techniques and technological challenges of 3D integrated photonics fabricated using ultrafast laser inscription as well as reviews the most recent progress in the fields of astrophotonics, optical communication, quantum photonics, emulation of quantum systems, optofluidics and sensing.

Research Article

Open Access November 6, 2015

Optical separation and controllable delivery of cells from particle and cell mixture

Yuchao Li, Hongbao Xin, Chang Cheng, Yao Zhang, Baojun Li

Page range: 353-360

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Abstract

Cell separation and delivery have recently gained significant attention in biological and biochemical studies. In thiswork, an optical method for separation and controllable delivery of cells by using an abruptly tapered fiber probe is reported. By launching a laser beam at the wavelength of 980 nm into the fiber, a mixture of cells with sizes of ~5 and ~3 μm and poly(methyl methacrylate) particles with size of 5 μm are separated into three chains along the direction of propagation of light. The cell and particle chains are delivered in three dimensions over 600 μm distance. Experimental results are interpreted by numerical simulations. Optical forces and forward migration velocities of different particles and cells are calculated and discussed.

Review Article

Open Access November 6, 2015

Coupling between plasmonic films and nanostructures: from basics to applications

Thomas Maurer, Pierre-Michel Adam, Gaëtan Lévêque

Page range: 363-382

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Abstract

Plasmonic film-nanoparticles coupled systems have had a renewed interest for the past 5 years both for the richness of the provided plasmonic modes and for their high technological potential. Many groups started to investigate the optical properties of film-nanoparticles coupled systems, as to whether the spacer layer thickness is tens of nanometers thick or goes down to a few nanometers or angstroms, even reaching contact. This article reviews the recent breakthroughs in the physical understanding of such coupled systems and the different systems where nanoparticles on top of the spacer layer are either isolated/random or form regular arrays. The potential for applications, especially as perfect absorbers or transmitters is also put into evidence.

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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Non-Hermitian and topological photonics: optics at an exceptional point
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Metasurfaces for biomedical applications: imaging and sensing from a nanophotonics perspective
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THz spintronic emitters: a review on achievements and future challenges
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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?
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Highly ordered arrays of hat-shaped hierarchical nanostructures with different curvatures for sensitive SERS and plasmon-driven catalysis
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Review on fractional vortex beam
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Orbital angular momentum and beyond in free-space optical communications
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