Nanoplasmonics can be defined as the science studying the manipulation of light using materials of size much smaller than the radiation wavelength. This is typically achieved using nanostructured metals, since they can very efficiently absorb and scatter light because of their ability to support coherent oscillations of free (conduction) electrons. Although the remarkable optical response of �finely divided� metals is well known since more than 150 years ago, the recent development of sophisticated characterization techniques and modeling methods has dramatically reactivated the field. Another extremely important pillar on which the development of nanoplasmonics has been based was the great advance in fabrication methods, which provide us with an exquisite control over the composition and morphology of nanostructured metals. Both lithography and colloid chemistry have seen a tremendous increase in the control that can be achieved, to a degree that seemed impossible only a decade ago. In particular, Colloid Chemistry has the advantage of simplicity and larger scale production, while offering a number of parameters that can be used as a handle to direct not only nanoparticle morphology but also surface properties and subsequent processing.This talk will provide an overview of �colloidal nanoplasmonics� as a sufficiently mature field to bridge the basic fabrication of nanoplasmonic building blocks, all the way to devices that can be used for real applications. The main message is that, although we have all necessary tools at hand and can make use of them to demonstrate the usefulness of these materials, basic understanding of the structure, surface chemistry and colloidal (phase) behavior is crucial to reach this target.

Colloidal nanoplasmonics: From the building blocks to sensing devices

244th National Meeting (2012)

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