Plasmonic lattices programmed by molecular self-assembly

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Laura Na Liu
• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics ; Biomaterials ; Experimental Condensed Matter Physics ; Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials ; Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 448727036

Plasmonic lattices fabricated by precisely arranging metallic nanoparticles into prescribed configurations is a new type of metamaterials, which exhibit novel optical, electrical, and magnetic properties. Traditional fabrication techniques, such as top-down electron-beam lithography, focused ion beam etching, etc. lack structural reconfiguration and scalability. Herein, we will utilize the unprecedented capability of the DNA origami technique to realize precise, bottom-up assembly of plasmonic lattices, which comprise well-organized metallic nanoparticles. Specifically, we will first design a series of DNA origami array structures with various prescribed morphologies, which serve as frames for the metallic nanoparticles. Also, we will comprehensively study how the DNA origami frame morphology and the size, geometry, composition, number, and spatial position of the metal nanoparticles determine the optical properties of the plasmonic lattices, from both experimental and theoretical perspectives. Meanwhile, reconfigurability will be integrated into the DNA origami frames to realize stimulus-responsive and programmable plasmonic lattices with tailored optical responses. Finally, we will explore the applications of the reconfigurable plasmonic lattices for optically detecting a variety of chemical and biological substances in a specific, sensitive, and multiplexing manner.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: China
• Partner Organisation: National Natural Science Foundation of China
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Pengfei Wang, Ph.D.