Introduction to Nanophotonics

Nanophotonics is where photonics merges with nanoscience and nanotechnology, and where spatial confinement considerably modifies light propagation and light-matter interaction. Describing the basic phenomena, principles, experimental advances and potential impact of nanophotonics, this graduate-level textbook is ideal for students in physics, optical and electronic engineering and materials science. The textbook highlights practical issues, material properties and device feasibility, and includes the basic optical properties of metals, semiconductors and dielectrics. Mathematics is kept to a minimum and theoretical issues are reduced to a conceptual level. Each chapter ends in problems so readers can monitor their understanding of the material presented. The introductory quantum theory of solids and size effects in semiconductors are considered to give a parallel discussion of wave optics and wave mechanics of nanostructures. The physical and historical interplay of wave optics and quantum mechanics is traced. Nanoplasmonics, an essential part of modern photonics, is also included.

Preface; 1. Introduction; Part I. Electrons and Electromagnetic Waves in Nanostructures: 2. Basic properties of waves and quantum particles; 3. Wave optics versus wave mechanics I; 4. Electrons in periodic structures and quantum confinement effects; 5. Semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots); 6. Nanoplasmonics I: metal nanoparticles; 7. Light in periodic structures: photonic crystals; 8. Light in non-periodic structures; 9. Photonic circuitry; 10. Tunneling of light; 11. Nanoplasmonics II: metal-dielectric nanostructures; 12. Wave optics versus wave mechanics II; Part II. Light–Matter Interaction in Nanostructures: 13. Light–matter interaction: introductory; 14. Density of states effects on optical processes; 15. Light–matter interaction beyond perturbational approach; 16. Plasmonic enhancement of secondary radiation; References; Index.

Describing the basic phenomena, principles, experimental advances and potential impact of nanophotonics, this graduate-level textbook is ideal for students in physics, optical and electronic engineering and materials science. Mathematics is kept to a minimum and theoretical issues are reduced to a conceptual level. Each chapter ends in problems.

S. V. Gaponenko is Head of the Laboratory for Nano-optics at the Stepanov Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. He is also Chairman of the Association of Lasers and Optics and Vice-president of the Laser Association.