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Published on: July 21, 2023
Nano Sensing and Energy Conversion Using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)
Iltai Isaac Kim1, Kenneth David Kihm2
1School of Engineering and Computing Science, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive Unit 5797, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA. ikim@tamucc.edu.
Nanophotonic techniques, including surface plasmon resonance (SPR), offer sensitive, label-free detection for nano-bio-chemical sensing and enhanced solar energy harvesting. These methods utilize unique optical properties for breakthroughs in advanced material characterization and energy conversion.
Area of Science:
- Nanophotonics
- Metamaterials
- Plasmonics
Background:
- Nanophotonic techniques are crucial for nano-bio-chemical sensing and solar energy applications.
- Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) imaging provides sensitive, label-free, real-time detection of material properties.
- Metamaterials offer unique optical properties for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the applications of nanophotonic techniques in nano-bio-chemical sensing and solar energy conversion.
- To highlight the role of SPR and spoof SPR in material characterization and sensing.
- To discuss advancements in energy conversion using nanophotonic structures.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging for sensitive detection.
- Employing spoof surface plasmon resonance with hyperbolic metamaterials for dispersion control.
- Investigating localized SPR with metal nanoparticles for enhanced absorption.
- Exploring epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) phenomena for ultrathin perfect absorbers.
Main Results:
- SPR imaging successfully detected nanofluid concentration variations during self-assembly.
- Spoof SPR in hyperbolic metamaterials enables characterization of high refractive index materials.
- Nanophotonic structures enhance absorption and emission efficiency for energy applications.
- Ultrathin perfect absorbers were demonstrated using ENZ phenomena.
Conclusions:
- Nanophotonic techniques, particularly SPR, are vital for advanced sensing and energy conversion.
- Metamaterials and ENZ phenomena offer novel pathways for improved device performance.
- These technologies are poised to drive breakthroughs in sensing and solar energy harvesting.

