New Frontiers in Ultrafast High-Field Plasmonics, Nonlinear Nanoplasmonics, Plasmoelectronics, and THz Spinplasmonics

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Light-matter interaction phenomena occurring at one millionth of one billionth of a second (femtosecond), ultra small billionth of a metre (nanometre) devices, extraordinary and exotic light behavior inside and at the vicinity of nanometer-sized metal structures (nanoplasmonics), and light manipulation in metals through the quantum property of electron spin (spinplasmonics) continue to influence numerous fields in science and advance our technology. Fundamentallly, these interactions manifest themselves as interplays between light quanta of photons and electrons. However, these fields have been independently evolving and need to be integrated onto a single platform. This proposal takes advantage of such emerging opportunities and brings the benefits offered by these fields. Under this umbrella, we combine unique nanoscale properties of light-driven electrons and structures with their inherent ultrafast response to investigate: how intense light field interacts with matter and how its intensity is enhanced when light is squeezed in nanostructures. We will exploit this interaction to generate visible light from silicon nanoplasmonic structures at unprecedented efficiency and manipulate light in ultra small cavities for integration with nanoelectronic devices. We will also explore a new field (plasmoelectronics) wherein electrical current is induced by light oscillations on a metal-dielectric interface (i.e. plasmons). This phenomenon is a prelude for the light-controlled nanoelectronics platform. This proposal charts new frontiers in novel technologies. For nanoplasmonics to complement nanoelectronics, there needs to be light-based devices analogous to key electronic components. One such element is a random access memory (RAM) -a computer memory being used to store data. However, to date RAM is only activated using electrical signals which limit its speed and versatility. Encouraged by our recent discovery of a non-volatile light-controlled random access memory, we plan to study this intriguing phenomenon for data storage and develop new exotic materials for application where light is used to store data. Likewise, innovation in terahertz (THz) spinplasmonics-where high frequency light is selectively used to manipulate and control electron spin for information processing- is a new intriguing paradigm for light-matter interaction. We plan to achieve full understanding of the physics of light-driven electron spin transport and develop advanced magnetic materials for compact and high-power THz radiation generation. The outcomes of this research not only advance our knowledge by unveiling new interesting physics of various phenomena and materials, but it also plants the seeds for future innovative technologies. Along with charting the aforementioned frontiers, the research will provide the students with strong training in cutting-edge technologies and unique hand-on skills that are highly sought after in the Canadian high-tech industry.