LIGHTMATT-EXPLORER · Experimental determination of the paraxial-vectorial limit of light-matter interactions
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2019-09-01 → 2021-08-31
- EU contribution
- €180,277
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF-EF-ST
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Results in brief
Experimental determination of the paraxial-vectorial limit of light-matter interactions
In optics, the electric field is treated as a scalar for many applications. However, it is known that the electric field is generally described as a vector in Maxwell equations. In nanophotonics, most light-matter interactions happen at an intermediate regime where knowing if the interaction is scalar or vectorial is complicated a priori. The aim of this proposal was to study the transition between these two regimes (scalar-vectorial) and show that it can be measured experimentally. That is, the proposal had two main goals: First, to demonstrate that scalar-vectorial regime of light-matter interactions can be quantified. And second, to develop a new measuring technique called vortex circular dichroism (VCD) that can be used to quantify that. Thanks to the theoretical, numerical and experimental work carried out during the Marie Curie Action, we have been able to prove that VCD is a good potential candidate to quantify the scalar-vectorial regime of light-matter interactions. We believe that this could have a significant impact in fundamental research as, up to this day, it has never existed a measuring technique that quantifies how scalar-vectorial a certain light-matter interaction is.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
The aim of this proposal is to study the transition between the scalar an vectorial regimes of light-matter interactions and show that its knowledge can be used to create a chirality-discriminating device. For that, the scalar-vectorial transition will be studied for three conceptually different nanostructures. The study will be carried out with a technique developed by the ER: vortex beam-induced circular dichroism. The findings of the study will be given by means of three look-up-tables, one for each kind of nanostructure. These look-up-tables will allow any light-scientist working with similar nanostructures to identify the regime (scalar/vectorial) in which their light-matter interactions are taking place. The results of this project will improve our fundamental understanding of light-matter interactions. This knowledge will add a new dimension into the characterization of complex 2D and 3D nanostructures. To show the potential of this characterization, at the end of the project we will use the look-up-table of a 3D plasmonic vortex to design a device that efficiently discriminates the chirality of molecules.The project has all the ideal elements to fulfill its goals. On one hand, the ER is already a scientific expert in light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. On the other hand, the Plasmon Nanotechnologies group at IIT, with its world-class laboratories and clean rooms provides an extraordinary scientific environment for the ER to develop his career path. In particular, it is expected that the ER learns many different nanofabrication techniques. Thus, thanks to this action, the ER will become a preeminent scientist with a unique set of skills combining nanofabrication, optical manipulation/measurements and simulations/theoretical work. This will place him in an advantageous position to become a world leader in nano-optics. The supervision and expertise of Dr. De Angelis will ensure that these goals are reached.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- FONDAZIONE ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA · GenovaCoordinatorItaly
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union