Two-dimensional optical binding based on graphene surface plasmon excitation.

Area of Science:

• Condensed matter physics
• Plasmonics
• Nanophotonics

Background:

• Optical binding forces enable manipulation of micro/nanoparticles using light.
• Graphene's unique electronic properties, including surface plasmons (SPs), offer novel interactions with light.
• Controlling nanoparticle arrangement is crucial for advanced optical materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the optical binding force between dielectric nanoparticles and a graphene substrate.
• To investigate the formation and stability of 2D nanoparticle arrays.
• To explore the role of surface plasmon scattering in binding stability.

Main Methods:

• Detailed analysis of near-field scattering between nanoparticles and graphene.
• Application of rigorous formalism based on electromagnetic Green theory.
• Calculation of binding energy potential to quantify configuration stability.

Main Results:

• Identified optical binding forces driven by near-field scattering.
• Demonstrated enhanced stability of 2D arrays due to multiple surface plasmon (SP) scattering.
• Observed formation of sub-diffraction-limit particle arrangements.
• Calculated binding energy potentials revealing stable and unstable configurations under thermal fluctuations.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a theoretical framework for understanding optical binding on graphene.
• Multiple stable configurations exist for nanoparticle arrays, influenced by SPs.
• Findings are valuable for designing optically reconfigurable polaritonic materials.