Electronics has long reached the molecular scale; not only do single-molecule junctions exhibit interesting conduction behaviors that have no analog in macroscopic electronics, they can also be tailored to induce a variety of fascinating dynamical processes in the molecular moiety, with potential applications ranging from new forms of molecular machines and new modes of conduction, to new directions in surface nanochemistry and nanolithography. Nevertheless, the application of light to control molecular motions and electronic transport in junctions may offer advantages, since photonic (by contrast to electronic) sources allow (sub)femtosecond time resolution and tunable phase and polarization properties. One of several challenges, however, is the requirement of coherent light sources that are tightly localized in space. It is here that plasmonics offer an opportunity.In the talk, we will combine plasmonics physics with concepts and tools borrowed from coherent, strong field control of molecular dynamics with two goals in mind. One is to introduce new function into nanoplasmonics, including ultrafast elements and broken symmetry elements. The second is to develop coherent nanoscale sources and apply them to control both mechanical motions and electric transport in the nanoscale. Focusing on the combination with molecules, we will discuss ongoing research on ultrafast molecular nanoplasmonics in both weak and strong molecule-plasmon coupling limits. To conclude the talk, we will return to nanoelectronics, and illustrate the application of plasmonics to control of transport in the nanoscale, with a view to ultrafast electric switches.

Ultrafast nanoplasmonics: Toward coherently controlled chemistry at the time space limit

246th National Meeting (2013)

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