Nonlinear optics in nanogaps in plasmonic thin films (B04)

• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: since 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 398816777

Project B4 will investigate arrays of nano-antennas in the nonlinear regime. Specifically, extended bi-dimensional arrays of nano-antennas, plasmonic metasurfaces, will be manufactured, embedding nano-gaps to enhance the nonlinear signal. A periodic structure phase-matched with the emitted radiation implies the efficient excitation of a surface wave, generating collective coupling between the nano-antennas. As successfully demonstrated in the first phase, such a collective excitation strongly impacts the nonlinear harmonic generation, permitting a substantial improvement in the emission efficiency. Thus, these periodic structures with nano-gaps feature a strong and direct connection between microscopic and macroscopic physical effects, with the emergence of collective dynamics both at the nanoscale and at the optical wavelength scale.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1375: Nonlinear Optics down to Atomic scales (NOA)
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Stefan Nolte; Professor Dr. Uwe Zeitner