Quantum tunneling between two plasmonic resonators links nonlinear quantum optics with terahertz nanoelectronics. We describe the direct observation of and control over quantum plasmon resonances at length scales in the range 0.4 to 1.3 nanometers across molecular tunnel junctions made of two plasmonic resonators bridged by self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). The tunnel barrier width and height are controlled by the properties of the molecules. Using electron energy-loss spectroscopy, we directly observe a plasmon mode, the tunneling charge transfer plasmon, whose frequency (ranging from 140 to 245 terahertz) is dependent on the molecules bridging the gaps.

Optical sensors are widely used for refractive index measurement in chemical, biomedical and food processing industries. Due to specific field distribution of the resonances excited, optical sensors provide high sensitivity to ambient refractive index variations. The sensitivity of optical sensor is highly dependent on material and structure of the sensor. Here, we review six major categories of optical refractive index sensors using plasmonic and photonic structures: (i) metal-based propagating plasmonic eigenwave structures, (ii) metal-based localized plasmonic eigenmode structures, (iii) dielectric-based propagating photonic eigenwave structures, (iv) dielectric-based localized photonic eigenmode structures, (v) advanced hybrid structures, and (vi) 2D material integrated structures. Representative configurations working in the wavelength range of 400−2000 nm will be selected and compared in terms of bulk refractive index sensitivities, figure of merits and working wavelengths. A technology map is established in order to define the standard and development trend for optical refractive index sensors.

Reducing the gap between two metal nanoparticles down to atomic dimensions uncovers novel plasmon resonant modes. Of particular interest is a mode known as the charge transfer plasmon (CTP). This mode has been experimentally observed in touching nanoparticles, where charges can shuttle between the nanoparticles via a conductive path. However, the CTP mode for nearly touching nanoparticles has only been predicted theoretically to occur via direct tunneling when the gap is reduced to ~0.4 nm. Because of challenges in fabricating and characterizing gaps at these dimensions, experiments have been unable to provide evidence for this plasmon mode that is supported by tunneling. In this work, we consider an alternative tunneling process, that is, the well-known Fowler-Nordheim (FN) tunneling that occurs at high electric fields, and apply it for the first time in the theoretical investigation of plasmon resonances between nearly touching nanoparticles. This new approach relaxes the requirements on gap dimensions, and intuitively suggests that with a sufficiently high-intensity irradiation, the CTP can be excited via FN tunneling for a range of subnanometer gaps. The unique feature of FN tunneling induced CTP is the ability to turn on and off the charge transfer by varying the intensity of an external light source, and this could inspire the development of novel quantum devices.

We demonstrate strong chiral optical response in three-dimensional chiral nanoparticle oligomers in the wavelength regime between 700 and 3500 nm.We show in experiment and simulation that this broad-band response occurs at the onset of charge transfer between the individual nanoparticles. The ohmic contact causes a strong red shift of the fundamental mode, while the geometrical shape of the resulting fused particles still allows for an efficient excitation of higher order modes. Calculated spectra and field distributions confirm our interpretation and show a number of interacting plasmonic modes. Our results deepen the understanding of the chiral optical response in complex chiral plasmonic nanostructures and pave the road toward broad-band chiral optical devices with strong responses, for example, for chiral plasmon rulers or sensing applications.

Gold nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention owing to their appealing plasmonic properties that have found applications in sensing, imaging, and energy harvesting. In the present article, we report the synthesis of anisotropic concave Au nanocuboids using a seeded growth method controlled by a seed concentration. Unlike conventional nonconcave counterparts which typically present two fundamental plasmonic modes (transverse and longitudinal modes), our experimental measurements and theoretical analysis show that the anisotropic concave Au nanocuboid has three plasmonic resonances. Theoretical calculations based on a finite element method confirm that the third resonance is a transverse "edge" mode, which is enhanced by the sharpened edges of the concave surfaces. This third resonance is found to be separated from the conventional broad transverse mode band. Because of the separation of the resonance mode, the quality-factor of the original transverse mode shows nearly a 3-fold enhancement.

The single mode hybrid dielectric-loaded plasmonic waveguide is presented at the wavelength of 1.55 μm. We show that this waveguiding structure, consisting of a low-index SiO2-stripe sandwiched between a high-index Si-nanowire and a silver film, achieves both long propagation length and strong field confinement with high power intensity. Components such as 90°-circular and S-shaped bends, based on the proposed waveguide with an intensity confinement area of 50×200 nm2, can obtain a total transmission efficiency exceeding 85% for various bend radii. Finally, we demonstrate that the efficient directional couplers can be developed using two coupled waveguides. In particular, we determine the typical coupling lengths and maximum transfer power for different structural parameters of the coupler. These investigations provide the foundations for the design of chip-scale integrated plasmonic circuitry.

Plasmon-polaritons are among the most promising candidates for next generation optical sensors due to their ability to support extremely confined electromagnetic fields and empower strong coupling of light and matter. Here we propose quantum plasmonic arXiv:1908.03543v1 [physics.optics] 9 Aug 2019 an enhanced sensitivity that is no longer dependent on the concentration of antibodyantigen-antibody complexes -down to the single-analyte limit. The quantum plasmonic immunoassay scheme thus not only leads to the development of plasmonic bio-sensing for single molecules but also opens up new pathways towards room-temperature quantum sensing enabled by biomolecular inspired protocols linked with quantum nanoplasmonics.

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