Controlling light interaction with matter on nanometer scales provides novel opportunities for applied research and modern technology. We have advanced in realization of this objective by combining capabilities of liquid crystals (LCs) and nanomaterials. In a first attempt, gold nanorods (GNRs) have been embedded in cholesteric LC (CLC), aligned in a Grandjeantexture (including oily-streaks defects), to control both �selective reflection� and �plasmonic resonance� by utilizing a suitable (resonant) light source. Furthermore, in a layer by layer geometry, we have investigated the possibility to locally adjust the refractive index of GNRs, immobilized on a large area (cm2) glass substrate, by exploiting a light sensitive �command layer�, which enables a NLC director reorientation driven by light. The results mark a breakthrough towards the realization of all-optical plasmonics and photonics devices.

Breakthrough in all-optical plasmonics and photonics

245th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.