The nanoparticle-on-mirror (NPoM) configuration is a plasmonic system where a metallic nanoparticle, often a nanocube, is placed above a flat metallic surface, separated by a nanometer-thin dielectric gap. This structure supports a gap-plasmon (GP) mode, which is highly confined and enhances the electromagnetic field more efficiently than traditional surface plasmon resonance (SPR) systems. These properties make NPoM a promising platform for sensing applications, as the system is highly responsive to changes in refractive index, spacer thickness and composition, and nanoparticle size and shape.
While tuning individual nanoparticle properties has shown to optimize resonance, coupled NPoM architectures, involving interactions between multiple nanoparticles, could lead to even greater field enhancements. However, optimizing, fabricating and characterizing these complex plasmonic architectures is challenging.
This project aims to gain a deeper understanding of coupling mechanisms in single and multi-nanoparticle NPoMstructures, particularly interactions between the nanocube and the metallic substrate, as well as between neighboring nanocubes. Artificial intelligence-based optimization and inverse design will focus on enhancing field confinement toward improved sensing performance.
The research combines:
• Nanocube-based NPoM synthesis (CINaM expertise),
• AI-based optimization and inverse design (IM2NP and Cenaero expertises),
• Advanced nanometrology techniques, including scattering-Scanning Nearfield Optical Microscopy (s-SNOM)(Fresnel and UNamur expertises) and cathodoluminescence (CL) (HZDR expertise) for single and complex structures.
• Numerical modeling of complex NPoM structures (IM2NP and UNamur expertises) with comparison with experimental data (Fresnel).
• Sensing application of the complex NPoM system (All partners).
By mapping the electromagnetic field around and beneath nanocubes, this study will investigate plasmonic mode coupling, decoupling, and radiation leakage into the surrounding environment. These insights will facilitate the design of AI-optimized NPoM architectures for enhanced sensing applications.
While tuning individual nanoparticle properties has shown to optimize resonance, coupled NPoM architectures, involving interactions between multiple nanoparticles, could lead to even greater field enhancements. However, optimizing, fabricating and characterizing these complex plasmonic architectures is challenging.
This project aims to gain a deeper understanding of coupling mechanisms in single and multi-nanoparticle NPoMstructures, particularly interactions between the nanocube and the metallic substrate, as well as between neighboring nanocubes. Artificial intelligence-based optimization and inverse design will focus on enhancing field confinement toward improved sensing performance.
The research combines:
• Nanocube-based NPoM synthesis (CINaM expertise),
• AI-based optimization and inverse design (IM2NP and Cenaero expertises),
• Advanced nanometrology techniques, including scattering-Scanning Nearfield Optical Microscopy (s-SNOM)(Fresnel and UNamur expertises) and cathodoluminescence (CL) (HZDR expertise) for single and complex structures.
• Numerical modeling of complex NPoM structures (IM2NP and UNamur expertises) with comparison with experimental data (Fresnel).
• Sensing application of the complex NPoM system (All partners).
By mapping the electromagnetic field around and beneath nanocubes, this study will investigate plasmonic mode coupling, decoupling, and radiation leakage into the surrounding environment. These insights will facilitate the design of AI-optimized NPoM architectures for enhanced sensing applications.
Supervisor
Dr Aude Lereu, Institut FRESNEL, Aix-Marseille Université
Co-Supervisor
Dr Pauline BENNET, Institut Matériaux Microélectronique et Nanosciences de Provence (IM2NP), Aix-Marseille Université
Intersectoral partner
Jeunes Chercheurs Associés, France
International partner
Namur Institute of Structured Matter, Belgium & CENAERO, Belgium