With their unparalleled mass, force, and temperature sensitivities, nanomechanical resonators have the potential to considerably improve existing sensor technology in various fields such as life sciences or telecommunications. However, one major obstacle still stands in the way of their practical use: The efficient transduction (actuation & detection) of the vibrational motion of such tiny structures. Localized plasmon resonances "focus" optical fields below the diffraction limit of light and present a powerful new method to optically transduce the vibrational motion of nanomechanical structures. The objective of this project is to study fundamental effects of plasmomechanical systems and establish for the first time a complete plasmonic transduction in novel NanoPlasmoMechanical Systems (NaPlaMS).
In this project we explore the ground-breaking new properties of NaPlaMS pillar arrays in three mutually supporting subprojects (SP):
In SP1 we study fundamental aspects of plasmomechanics. These devices allow the unique optical and mechanical study of i) plasmonic quantum tunneling, ii) optical forces between plasmonic nanostructures of various shapes and materials, and iii) the photothermal heating of individual nanostructures and molecules. Our technology not only allows for the analysis and identification of individual plasmonic nanoparticles, but also for samples such as individual bacteria, viruses, proteins, or small molecules. This sensor technology can significantly improve and speed up the identification of pathogens (bacteria or viruses) in order to administer the most effective medication. The identification of individual nanoparticles and bacteria is also of high importance in the field of environmental monitoring and in occupational health, keeping our environment and work place save. The analysis of individual proteins and ultralow protein concentrations will speed up the development of new drugs.
In SP2 we make use of the strong plasmomechanical light-interaction of the high frequency NaPlaMS pillars for the development of next generation reconfigurable metamaterial for optic modulation. Compared to state-of-the-art bulky and power- hungry modulators, NaPlaMS modulators will be low-power and sub-wavelength-size as required for future optic telecommunication and consumer products.
In SP3 we utilize the exceptional mass sensitivity of NaPlaMS pillar arrays to create unique mass sensors. The goal is to create a sensor for native & neutral protein mass spectrometry to provide a revolutionary small and cheap tool for proteomics, which will accelerate the development of protein drugs.
