Sensitive far-field and near-field microscopy is used to investigate the spectral and transient optical properties of coupled light-matter systems and nanophotonic materials, with the goal of manipulating material properties. Strong coupling between light (an optical resonator) and matter (molecular vibration or electronic transition) can lead to the formation of new hybrid light-matter states which can alter chemical reactivity, excitation and decay kinetics, and form Bose-Einstein condensates. We utilize the spatially-confined optical fields of surface plasmons and surface phonon polaritons as well as wavelength-scale Fabry-Perot cavities. Our group has expertise and facilities for diffraction-limited optical imaging and spectroscopy, pulsed optical sources to drive nonlinear processes, near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM), and a class 100 cleanroom housed in NRL’s Nanoscience lnstitute. Additionally, we have produced semiconducting and metallic nanowires and nanostructures through vapor-phase growth, electrochemical processes, and electron-beam lithography. These structures provide fruitful grounds for exploring nanophotonic phenomena. The research environment also provides opportunities to work on multidisciplinary problems through collaborations with members of the Nanoscience Institute.

References

Flynn RA, et al: Journal of Applied Physics 107: 013109, 2010

Long JP, Simpkins BS, et al: Applied Physics Letters 97: 103105, 2010