Creation of Light and / or Surface Plasmons with Heated Metallic Films; Photonic Crystal

L. Besemann
University of Minnesota, US

Keywords: Photonic crystal, plasmonics, thermal emission, surface plasmons polaritons, metal nanostructures

Abstract:

Patterned metal films or surfaces can produce surface plasmons (charge density waves) when heated. A unique metal pattern in the shape of a “bull’s eye” can convert thermal energy into a tuned light or visa versa. Applications include wireless temperature sensors, chemical sensing, and enhanced solar cells.