Nanophotonic Fabrication

by Takashi Yatsui

Published 1 January 2012
Nanophotonics, a novel optical technology, utilizes the local interaction between nanometric particles via optical near fields. The optical near fields are the elementary surface excitations on nanometric particles, i.e. dressed photons that carry material energy. Of the variety of qualitative innovations in optical technology realized by nanophotonics, this books focuses on fabrication. To fabricate nano-scale photonic devices with nanometer-scale controllability in size and position, we developed a self-assembly method for size- and position-controlled ultra-long nanodot chains using a novel effect of near-field optical desorption. A novel deposition and etching scheme under nonresonant conditions is also demonstrated and its origin is reviewed.

This book introduces readers to the cutting-edge topic of nanophotonic photochemical reactions and their applications. From among the various innovations in optical technology achieved by means of the non-uniform optical near field, it focuses on photochemical reactions at the nanoscale. Optical near fields are the elementary surface excitations of nanometric particles with non-uniform field distributions. After reviewing the unique properties of the non-uniform optical field, the book presents a range of applications of near-field assisted photochemical reactions, including near-field etching, visible water splitting, carbon dioxide reduction and reactions in solar cells.