Chemical Physics and Dynamics of Surfaces – Plasmonics and sensors

Propagating surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) at the surface of continuous metallic films, and localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) at metal nanoparticles or assemblies of nanoparticles, are known to induce peculiar effects, in particular a strong optical absorption related to the enhanced electric field at the surface of the film or of the nanoparticles. Together to fundamental investigations on their properties, the plasmon resonances are used in the group for various applications. We use LSPR to enhance the conductive properties of conjugated molecules, in particular switchable molecules, and to develop highly sensitive plasmonic sensors of molecules. Based on the SPP phenomena, we design plasmonic resonators for enhancing the sensibility and tunability of infrared detectors.