Studies of optical properties in the nanoscale by cathodoluminescence with high spatial resolution

• Grant number: 13/22368-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Duration: March 15, 2014 - March 22, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Fernando Zagonel
• Grantee: Luiz Fernando Zagonel
• Visiting researcher: Mathieu Kociak
• Visiting researcher institution: Université Paris-Sud (Paris 11), France
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física Gleb Wataghin (IFGW). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

During his visit, Dr. Mathieu Kociak will work together with Prof. Luiz Fernando Zagonel in research topics connected to their joint collaboration project in the field of nano-optics. This research, in general lines, aims at a better understanding of optical properties in the nano-meter scale of metallic nanoparticles and semiconducting quantum discs. In this project, an intensive use of transmission electron microscope was performed and this allowed for the mapping of absorption and excitation-emission of light by the samples with a lateral resolution of about 1 nm. The research specificities are different for each system. Regarding the semiconcting quantum discs, the objectives are linked to their optical properties in relation to their morphology and the interplay of quantum confinement, Stark Effect and the compressive strain which they are subjected inside nanowires. On the other side, the metallic nanoparticles have plasmonic resonance modes which are responsible for the absorption and emission of light in small regions where high densities of electric field are observed. The exact energy of absorption and emission, depend of the nanoparticle shape and environment, and some details of the shape appear to be critical for the emission. Dr. Kociak's visit, that will take a full week, aims to speed up the works and tasks related to these on-going research topics. In fact, three articles are being written in parallel and a more dynamic interaction, with his presence in Campinas, is needed now to sum up the understanding of the results and analysis and to conclude the writing of the manuscripts that are in progress. (AU)