Objective I propose a theoretical study of the effects of a self-focusing nonlinearity in plasmonic nano-structures.First, I will exploit the field enhancements in tapered plasmonic waveguides in order to implement strong nonlinear modifications of the plasmon wavelength and group velocity. I would like to achieve slow light, and if possible, even stopped and reversed light.Second, I will study nonlinear focusing in plasmonic waveguides, an effect which unlike soliton formation, was not studied in the context of plasmonics before. Nonlinear focusing, also known as beam collapse, corresponds to focusing of macroscopic beams down to the diffraction limit, but not beyond it. Thus, it is of fundamental interest to study this effect in plasmonic systems that do allow beams of subwavelength sizes in order to unveil the maximal focusing level achievable. Furthermore, I will study the analogy between the geometrical focusing imposed by the tapering and the nonlinear focusing imposed by the self-focusing nonlinearity.Third, I will exploit the link between plasmonic waveguides and metal nano-particle pairs, as established by transformation optics techniques, to study the effect of a self-focusing nonlinearity on the super-focusing effect in the nano-particle pair geometry. This will be done by extending the linear theory of transformation methods to nonlinear media.The proposed research aims at the realization of novel and stronger than ever nonlinear effects in the tapered waveguides, at the realization of diffraction-unlimited nonlinear focusing, and the realization of nonlinear effects at ultimately small volumes in the nano-particle geometries. As such, the research aims at bridging the gap between the plasmonics and nonlinear optics communities, thus stimulating further studies of nonlinear plasmonic systems. In addition, the research may lead to the development of techniques such as nonlinear transformation-optics whose relevance extends to many other wave systems. Fields of science natural sciencesmathematicspure mathematicsgeometryengineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materialsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsnonlinear optics Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG - Marie-Curie Action: "Career Integration Grants" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG) Coordinator BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV EU contribution € 100 000,00 Address . 84105 Beer Sheva Israel See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Daphna Tripto (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
