Solid State and Optics Seminar

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

1:00 p.m.

107 Mason Lab

"Manipulating Light in Nanocrystals and Nanohole Arrays"

Prof. Teri W. Odom
Northwestern University
Dept. of Chemistry

Abstract

This talk focuses on how the shape of nanostructures can control light on the nanometer scale. Two different systems will be described: (i) chemically synthesized semiconducting nanocrystals and (ii) nanofabricated metallic films of nanohole arrays. Nanocrystals can exhibit properties distinct from bulk if their size is reduced below a relevant critical
parameter. We will discuss how nano- and microcrystals of tin sulfide can have optical properties dramatically different from bulk, but whose properties can be attributed to a different crystal structure and not quantum size effects. Also, we will discuss an innovative fabrication scheme for preparing large-area, free-standing films of nanoscale holes.
These metallic films exhibit enhanced transmission with spectra characteristic of interacting holes. When investigated in the near-field, these films support surface plasmon polariton standing wave patterns whose wavelength and polarization can be controlled.

Host: Rob Schoelkopf