U.S. patent application number 15/193271 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-28 for enhanced photoluminescence.
This patent application is currently assigned to Elwha LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Elwha LLC. Invention is credited to GLEB M. AKSELROD, RODERICK A. HYDE, MURIEL Y. ISHIKAWA, JORDIN T. KARE, MAIKEN H. MIKKELSEN, TONY S. PAN, DAVID R. SMITH, CLARENCE T. TEGREENE, YAROSLAV A. URZHUMOV, CHARLES WHITMER, LOWELL L. WOOD, JR., VICTORIA Y.H. WOOD.
Application Number | 20170371228 15/193271 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60674383 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20170371228 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
AKSELROD; GLEB M. ; et
al. |
December 28, 2017 |
ENHANCED PHOTOLUMINESCENCE
Abstract
Described embodiments include a plasmonic apparatus and method.
The plasmonic apparatus includes a substrate having a first
negative-permittivity layer comprising a first plasmonic surface.
The plasmonic apparatus includes a plasmonic nanoparticle having a
base with a second negative-permittivity layer comprising a second
plasmonic surface. The plasmonic apparatus includes a
dielectric-filled gap between the first plasmonic surface and the
second plasmonic surface. The plasmonic apparatus includes a
plasmonic cavity created by an assembly of the first plasmonic
surface, the second plasmonic surface, and the dielectric-filled
gap, and having a spectrally separated first fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and second fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2. The plasmonic apparatus includes a
plurality of fluorescent particles located in the dielectric-filled
gap. Each fluorescent particle of the plurality of fluorescent
particles having an absorption spectrum including the first
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and an
emission spectrum including the second fundamental resonant cavity
wavelength .lamda..sub.2.
Inventors: |
AKSELROD; GLEB M.; (DURHAM,
NC) ; HYDE; RODERICK A.; (REDMOND, WA) ;
ISHIKAWA; MURIEL Y.; (LIVERMORE, CA) ; KARE; JORDIN
T.; (SAN JOSE, CA) ; MIKKELSEN; MAIKEN H.;
(DURHAM, NC) ; PAN; TONY S.; (BELLEVUE, WA)
; SMITH; DAVID R.; (DURHAM, NC) ; TEGREENE;
CLARENCE T.; (MERCER ISLAND, WA) ; URZHUMOV; YAROSLAV
A.; (BELLEVUE, WA) ; WHITMER; CHARLES; (NORTH
BEND, WA) ; WOOD, JR.; LOWELL L.; (BELLEVUE, WA)
; WOOD; VICTORIA Y.H.; (LIVERMORE, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Elwha LLC |
Bellevue |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Elwha LLC
|
Family ID: |
60674383 |
Appl. No.: |
15/193271 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B82Y 20/00 20130101;
G02F 1/355 20130101; G02F 2203/10 20130101; G02F 2203/15 20130101;
G02F 1/353 20130101; G02B 5/008 20130101; G02F 2001/354 20130101;
Y10S 977/773 20130101; G02F 2202/36 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02F 1/35 20060101
G02F001/35; G02F 1/355 20060101 G02F001/355; G02B 5/00 20060101
G02B005/00 |
Claims
1. A plasmonic apparatus comprising: a substrate having a first
negative-permittivity layer comprising a first plasmonic surface; a
plasmonic nanoparticle having a base with a second
negative-permittivity layer comprising a second plasmonic surface;
a dielectric-filled gap between the first plasmonic surface and the
second plasmonic surface; a plasmonic cavity created by an assembly
of the first plasmonic surface, the second plasmonic surface, and
the dielectric-filled gap, and having a spectrally separated first
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and second
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2; and a
plurality of fluorescent particles located in the dielectric-filled
gap, each fluorescent particle of the plurality of fluorescent
particles having an absorption spectrum including the first
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and an
emission spectrum including the second fundamental resonant cavity
wavelength .lamda..sub.2.
2. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 is a function
of a first characteristic of the plasmonic nanoparticle and the
second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2 is a
function of a second characteristic of the plasmonic
nanoparticle.
3. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 is a function
of a first structural characteristic of the plasmonic nanoparticle
and the second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2
is a function of a second structural characteristic of the
plasmonic nanoparticle.
4. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 is a function
of a first dimensional characteristic of the plasmonic nanoparticle
and the second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2
is a function of a second dimensional characteristic of the
plasmonic nanoparticle.
5. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 is a function
of a first side dimension of a non-square rectangular base of the
plasmonic nanoparticle and the second fundamental resonant cavity
wavelength .lamda..sub.2 is a function of a second side dimension
of the non-square rectangular base of the plasmonic
nanoparticle.
6. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base of the
plasmonic nanoparticle is conformal to the first plasmonic
surface.
7. (canceled)
8. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base of the
plasmonic nanoparticle has a major side, and a minor side shorter
than the major side.
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plasmonic
nanoparticle includes at least two joined or proximate plasmonic
nanoparticles forming in combination the base with a second
negative-permittivity layer comprising a second plasmonic
surface.
12. (canceled)
13. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plasmonic
nanoparticle includes a nanorod having a non-square rectangular
base with the second negative-permittivity layer.
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base of the
plasmonic nanoparticle has an arbitrary shape.
17. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base of the
plasmonic nanoparticle has a major side length ranging between
10-10000 nm.
18. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base of the
plasmonic nanoparticle has a major side length between about 100
and about 1000 nm.
19. (canceled)
20. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plasmonic
cavity has a spectrally separated first spectral resonant envelope
that includes the first fundamental resonant wavelength
.lamda..sub.1 and a second spectral resonant envelope that includes
the second fundamental resonant wavelength .lamda..sub.2.
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
fundamental resonant wavelength .lamda..sub.1 is in the ultraviolet
spectrum and second fundamental resonant wavelength .lamda..sub.2
of the plasmonic cavity is in the visible light spectrum.
24. (canceled)
25. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
fundamental resonant wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and second
fundamental resonant wavelength .lamda..sub.2 of the plasmonic
cavity are both in the visible light spectrum.
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
28. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2 of the
plasmonic nanoparticle is a harmonic of the first fundamental
resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 of the plasmonic
cavity.
29. (canceled)
30. (canceled)
31. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein (i) the second
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2 is a 3.sup.rd
harmonic of the first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.1 of the plasmonic cavity; and (ii) each fluorescent
particle of the plurality of fluorescent particles includes a
fluorescent particle with a 3.sup.rd harmonic nonlinearity having
an emission spectrum including the second fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2.
32. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dielectric
includes a non-linear optical material having a non-linear response
configured to enhance emission at the second fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2.
33. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plasmonic
nanoparticle includes a plurality of plasmonic nanoparticles, each
plasmonic nanoparticle of the plurality of plasmonic nanoparticles
having a base with a second negative-permittivity layer comprising
in combination a second plasmonic surface.
34. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plasmonic
nanoparticle includes a doubly-resonant plasmonic nanoparticle.
35. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
plasmonic nanoparticle, the substrate, or the dielectric includes a
nonlinear harmonic material.
36. (canceled)
37. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first plasmonic
surface is coated with at least two fluorescent particles of the
plurality of fluorescent particles.
38. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second
plasmonic surface is coated with at least two fluorescent particles
of the plurality of fluorescent particles.
39. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
fluorescent particles are included in the dielectric-filled
gap.
40. (canceled)
41. (canceled)
42. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first plasmonic
surface includes an adhesive configured to bond the first plasmonic
surface with a dielectric material of the dielectric-filled
gap.
43. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
negative-permittivity layer has negative permittivity within a
defined wavelength range.
44. (canceled)
45. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
negative-permittivity layer includes a metallic layer.
46. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
negative-permittivity layer includes a semi-metallic layer.
47. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
negative-permittivity layer includes a semiconductor layer.
48-51. (canceled)
52. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second
negative-permittivity layer includes a metallic layer.
53. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second
negative-permittivity layer includes a semimetal layer.
54. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second
negative-permittivity layer includes a semiconductor layer or a
polaritonic dielectric layer.
55. (canceled)
56. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion
of the dielectric-filled gap comprises a dielectric coating applied
to the first plasmonic surface of the substrate.
57. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion
of the dielectric-filled gap comprises a dielectric coating applied
to the second plasmonic surface of the plasmonic nanoparticle.
58. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
dielectric-filled gap is less than 5 nm thick.
59. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
dielectric-filled gap is less than 100 nm thick.
60-63. (canceled)
60. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
dielectric-filled gap is less than 50 nm thick.
61. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
dielectric-filled gap is less than 25 nm.
62. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
dielectric-filled gap is greater than 0 nm and less than 50 nm.
63. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
dielectric-filled gap is greater than 5 nm.
64. (canceled)
65. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein each fluorescent
particle of the plurality of fluorescent particles has an
absorption peak at a wavelength aligned with the first fundamental
resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and an emission peak
substantially aligned with the second fundamental resonant cavity
wavelength .lamda..sub.2.
66-71. (canceled)
72. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate is a
base of a second plasmonic nanoparticle.
73. (canceled)
74. (canceled)
75. A plasmonic apparatus comprising: a substrate having a first
negative-permittivity layer comprising a first plasmonic surface; a
plasmonic nanoparticle having a base with a second
negative-permittivity layer comprising a second plasmonic surface;
a dielectric-filled gap between the first plasmonic surface and the
second plasmonic surface, a plasmonic cavity created by an assembly
of the first plasmonic surface, the second plasmonic surface, and
the dielectric-filed gap, and having a spectrally separated first
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and second
resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2 that is a 3.sup.rd
harmonic of the first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.1; and a plurality of fluorescent particles located in
the dielectric-filled gap, each fluorescent particle of the
plurality of fluorescent particles having an absorption spectrum
including the first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.1 and a 3.sup.rd harmonic nonlinearity with an emission
spectrum including the second resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.2.
76. The plasmonic apparatus of claim 75, wherein each fluorescent
particle of the plurality of fluorescent particles has an
absorption peak at a wavelength substantially aligned with the
first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and a
3.sup.rd harmonic nonlinearity with an emission peak at a
wavelength substantially aligned with the second resonant cavity
wavelength .lamda..sub.2.
77. (canceled)
78. (canceled)
79. A method comprising: directing a first electromagnetic beam
that includes a first wavelength .lamda..sub.1 at a plasmonic
apparatus; and emitting a second electromagnetic beam at a second
wavelength .lamda..sub.2 from the plasmonic apparatus, the second
electromagnetic beam having a higher quantum energy level than the
first electromagnetic beam, the plasmonic apparatus comprising: a
substrate having a first negative-permittivity layer comprising a
first plasmonic surface; a plasmonic nanoparticle having a base
with a second negative-permittivity layer comprising a second
plasmonic surface; a dielectric-filled gap between the first
plasmonic surface and the second plasmonic surface; a plasmonic
cavity created by an assembly of the first plasmonic surface, the
second plasmonic surface, and the dielectric-filled gap, and having
a spectrally separated first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.1 and second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.2; and a plurality of fluorescent particles located in
the dielectric-filled gap, each fluorescent particle of the
plurality of fluorescent particles having an absorption spectrum
including the first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.1 and an emission spectrum including the second
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2.
80. The method of claim 79, wherein the second electromagnetic beam
has at least a 10.times. higher quantum energy level than the first
electromagnetic beam.
81. The method of claim 79, wherein the second electromagnetic beam
has at least a 100.times. higher quantum energy level than the
first electromagnetic beam.
82. (canceled)
83. (canceled)
84. (canceled)
Description
[0001] If an Application Data Sheet (ADS) has been filed on the
filing date of this application, it is incorporated by reference
herein. Any applications claimed on the ADS for priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn..sctn.119, 120, 121, or 365(c), and any and all
parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of such
applications, are also incorporated by reference, including any
priority claims made in those applications and any material
incorporated by reference, to the extent such subject matter is not
inconsistent herewith.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] The present application claims the benefit of the earliest
available effective filing date(s) from the following listed
application(s) (the "Priority Applications"), if any, listed below
(e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other than
provisional patent applications or claims benefits under 35 USC
.sctn.119(e) for provisional patent applications, for any and all
parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the
Priority Application(s)).
Priority Applications
[0003] NONE
[0004] If the listings of applications provided above are
inconsistent with the listings provided via an ADS, it is the
intent of the Applicant to claim priority to each application that
appears in the Domestic Benefit/National Stage Information section
of the ADS and to each application that appears in the Priority
Applications section of this application.
[0005] All subject matter of the Priority Applications and of any
and all applications related to the Priority Applications by
priority claims (directly or indirectly), including any priority
claims made and subject matter incorporated by reference therein as
of the filing date of the instant application, is incorporated
herein by reference to the extent such subject matter is not
inconsistent herewith.
SUMMARY
[0006] For example, and without limitation, an embodiment of the
subject matter described herein includes a plasmonic apparatus. The
plasmonic apparatus includes a substrate having a first
negative-permittivity layer comprising a first plasmonic surface.
The plasmonic apparatus includes a plasmonic nanoparticle having a
base with a second negative-permittivity layer comprising a second
plasmonic surface. The plasmonic apparatus includes a
dielectric-filled gap between the first plasmonic surface and the
second plasmonic surface. The plasmonic apparatus includes a
plasmonic cavity created by an assembly of the first plasmonic
surface, the second plasmonic surface, and the dielectric-filed
gap, and having a spectrally separated first fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and second fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2. The plasmonic apparatus includes a
plurality of fluorescent particles located in the dielectric-filled
gap. Each fluorescent particle of the plurality of fluorescent
particles having an absorption spectrum including the first
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and an
emission spectrum including the second fundamental resonant cavity
wavelength .lamda..sub.2.
[0007] For example, and without limitation, an embodiment of the
subject matter described herein includes a plasmonic apparatus. The
plasmonic apparatus includes a substrate having a first
negative-permittivity layer comprising a first plasmonic surface.
The plasmonic apparatus includes a plasmonic nanoparticle having a
base with a second negative-permittivity layer comprising a second
plasmonic surface. The plasmonic apparatus includes a
dielectric-filled gap between the first plasmonic surface and the
second plasmonic surface. The plasmonic apparatus includes a
plasmonic cavity created by an assembly of the first plasmonic
surface, the second plasmonic surface, and the dielectric-filed
gap, and having a spectrally separated first fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and second resonant cavity
wavelength .lamda..sub.2 that is a 3.sup.rd harmonic of the first
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1. The plasmonic
apparatus includes a plurality of fluorescent particles located in
the dielectric-filled gap, each fluorescent particle of the
plurality of fluorescent particles having an absorption spectrum
including the first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.1 and a 3.sup.rd harmonic nonlinearity with an emission
spectrum including the second resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.2.
[0008] For example, and without limitation, an embodiment of the
subject matter described herein includes a method. The method
includes directing a first electromagnetic beam that includes a
first wavelength .lamda..sub.1 at a plasmonic apparatus. The method
includes emitting a second electromagnetic beam at a second
wavelength .lamda..sub.2 from the plasmonic apparatus, the second
electromagnetic beam having a higher quantum energy level than the
first electromagnetic beam. The plasmonic apparatus includes a
substrate having a first negative-permittivity layer comprising a
first plasmonic surface. The plasmonic apparatus includes a
plasmonic nanoparticle having a base with a second
negative-permittivity layer comprising a second plasmonic surface.
The plasmonic apparatus includes a dielectric-filled gap between
the first plasmonic surface and the second plasmonic surface. The
plasmonic apparatus includes a plasmonic cavity created by an
assembly of the first plasmonic surface, the second plasmonic
surface, and the dielectric-filed gap, and having a spectrally
separated first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.1 and second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.2. The plasmonic apparatus includes a plurality of
fluorescent particles located in the dielectric-filled gap, each
fluorescent particle of the plurality of fluorescent particles
having an absorption spectrum including the first fundamental
resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and an emission spectrum
including the second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.2.
[0009] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not
intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative
aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by
reference to the drawings and the following detailed
description.
[0010] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not
intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative
aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by
reference to the drawings and the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example
plasmonic apparatus;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the example plasmonic
apparatus;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates an example operational flow;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an example gain system;
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an example operational flow for
amplifying electromagnetic waves;
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates an example plasmonic nanoparticle
dimer;
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates an environment that includes gain system;
and
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates an example operational flow. After a
start operation, the operational flow includes a photoexcitation
operation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] This application makes reference to technologies described
more fully in United States Patent Application No. To be assigned,
entitled ENHANCED PHOTOLUMINESCENCE, naming Gleb M. Akselrod,
Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Maiken H.
Mikkelsen, Tony S. Pan, David R. Smith, Clarence T. Tegreene,
Yaroslav A. Urzhumov, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., and
Victoria Y. H. Wood as inventors, filed on Jun. 27, 2016, is
related to the present application. That application is
incorporated by reference herein, including any subject matter
included by reference in that application.
[0020] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments
described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not
meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other
changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of
the subject matter presented here.
[0021] Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state
of the art has progressed to the point where there is little
distinction left between hardware, software, and/or firmware
implementations of aspects of systems; the use of hardware,
software, and/or firmware is generally (but not always, in that in
certain contexts the choice between hardware and software can
become significant) a design choice representing cost vs.
efficiency tradeoffs. Those having skill in the art will appreciate
that there are various implementations by which processes and/or
systems and/or other technologies described herein can be effected
(e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred
implementation will vary with the context in which the processes
and/or systems and/or other technologies are deployed. For example,
if an implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount,
the implementer may opt for a mainly hardware and/or firmware
implementation; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the
implementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet
again alternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination
of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several
possible implementations by which the processes and/or devices
and/or other technologies described herein may be effected, none of
which is inherently superior to the other in that any
implementation to be utilized is a choice dependent upon the
context in which the implementation will be deployed and the
specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of
the implementer, any of which may vary. Those skilled in the art
will recognize that optical aspects of implementations will
typically employ optically-oriented hardware, software, and or
firmware.
[0022] In some implementations described herein, logic and similar
implementations may include software or other control structures
suitable to implement an operation. Electronic circuitry, for
example, may manifest one or more paths of electrical current
constructed and arranged to implement various logic functions as
described herein. In some implementations, one or more media are
configured to bear a device-detectable implementation if such media
hold or transmit a special-purpose device instruction set operable
to perform as described herein. In some variants, for example, this
may manifest as an update or other modification of existing
software or firmware, or of gate arrays or other programmable
hardware, such as by performing a reception of or a transmission of
one or more instructions in relation to one or more operations
described herein. Alternatively or additionally, in some variants,
an implementation may include special-purpose hardware, software,
firmware components, and/or general-purpose components executing or
otherwise invoking special-purpose components. Specifications or
other implementations may be transmitted by one or more instances
of tangible transmission media as described herein, optionally by
packet transmission or otherwise by passing through distributed
media at various times.
[0023] Alternatively or additionally, implementations may include
executing a special-purpose instruction sequence or otherwise
invoking circuitry for enabling, triggering, coordinating,
requesting, or otherwise causing one or more occurrences of any
functional operations described below. In some variants,
operational or other logical descriptions herein may be expressed
directly as source code and compiled or otherwise invoked as an
executable instruction sequence. In some contexts, for example, C++
or other code sequences can be compiled directly or otherwise
implemented in high-level descriptor languages (e.g., a
logic-synthesizable language, a hardware description language, a
hardware design simulation, and/or other such similar mode(s) of
expression). Alternatively or additionally, some or all of the
logical expression may be manifested as a Verilog-type hardware
description or other circuitry model before physical implementation
in hardware, especially for basic operations or timing-critical
applications. Those skilled in the art will recognize how to
obtain, configure, and optimize suitable transmission or
computational elements, material supplies, actuators, or other
common structures in light of these teachings.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example
plasmonic apparatus 100. FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the
example plasmonic apparatus 100. The plasmonic apparatus includes a
substrate 110 having a first negative-permittivity layer 112
comprising a first plasmonic surface 114. The plasmonic apparatus
includes a plasmonic nanoparticle 120 having a base 122 with a
second negative-permittivity layer 124 comprising a second
plasmonic surface 126. The plasmonic apparatus includes a
dielectric-filled gap 130 between the first plasmonic surface and
the second plasmonic surface. A plasmonic cavity 142 created by an
assembly 140 of the first plasmonic surface, the second plasmonic
surface, and the dielectric-filled gap, and having a spectrally
separated first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.1 and second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.2. The plasmonic apparatus includes a plurality of
fluorescent particles 150 located in the dielectric-filled gap 130.
Each fluorescent particle of the plurality of fluorescent particles
has an absorption spectrum including the first fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and an emission spectrum including
the second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.2.
[0025] In an embodiment of the plasmonic cavity 142, the first
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 is a function
of a first characteristic of the plasmonic nanoparticle 120 and the
second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2is a
function of a second characteristic of the plasmonic nanoparticle.
In an embodiment of the plasmonic cavity, the first fundamental
resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 is a function of a first
structural characteristic of the plasmonic nanoparticle and the
second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2 is a
function of a second structural characteristic of the plasmonic
nanoparticle. In an embodiment of the plasmonic cavity, the first
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 is a function
of a first dimensional characteristic of the plasmonic nanoparticle
and the second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2
is a function of a second dimensional characteristic of the
plasmonic nanoparticle. In an embodiment of the plasmonic cavity,
the first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 is a
function of a first side dimension 128 of the non-square
rectangular base 122 of the plasmonic nanoparticle and the second
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2is a function
of a second side dimension 129 of the non-square rectangular base
of the plasmonic nanoparticle. For example, a non-square
rectangular base of the plasmonic nanoparticle may be 40.times.10
nm, or 40.times.20 nm.
[0026] In an embodiment of the plasmonic nanoparticle 120, the base
122 of the plasmonic nanoparticle is at least substantially
conformal to the first plasmonic surface 114. In an embodiment of
the plasmonic nanoparticle, the base of the plasmonic nanoparticle
is at least substantially planar. In an embodiment of the plasmonic
nanoparticle, the base of the plasmonic nanoparticle has a major
side 128, and a minor side 129 shorter than the major side. In an
embodiment of the plasmonic nanoparticle, the major side
corresponds to a base dimension in a first direction and the minor
side corresponds to a shorter base dimension in a non-aligned
direction. In an embodiment of the plasmonic nanoparticle, the
non-aligned direction is at least substantially perpendicular to
the first direction. In an embodiment, the plasmonic nanoparticle
includes at least two joined or proximate plasmonic nanoparticles
forming the base with their combined second negative-permittivity
layers 124 comprising the second plasmonic surface 126. For
example, the at least two plasmonic nanoparticles may be arranged
in a 1.times.2, 2.times.5, 3.times.4, or 5.times.9 configuration.
In an embodiment of the plasmonic nanoparticle, the at least two
joined or proximate plasmonic nanoparticles form a non-square
rectangular base with a combined second negative-permittivity layer
comprising a second plasmonic surface.
[0027] In an embodiment of the plasmonic nanoparticle 120, the
plasmonic nanoparticle includes a nanorod having a non-square
rectangular base 122 with the second negative-permittivity layer
124. In an embodiment of the plasmonic nanoparticle, the base of
the plasmonic nanoparticle includes at least one of a rectangular,
an ellipsoidal, or a triangular shape. In an embodiment of the
plasmonic nanoparticle, the base of the plasmonic nanoparticle has
an elongated shape. In an embodiment of the plasmonic nanoparticle,
the base of the plasmonic nanoparticle has an arbitrary shape. In
an embodiment of the plasmonic nanoparticle, the base of the
plasmonic nanoparticle has a major side 128 length ranging between
10-10000 nm. In an embodiment of the plasmonic nanoparticle, the
base of the plasmonic nanoparticle has a major side length between
about 100 and about 1000 nm. In an embodiment of the plasmonic
nanoparticle, the base of the plasmonic nanoparticle has a major
side length ranging between 500 and 7000 nm.
[0028] In an embodiment, the plasmonic cavity 142 has a spectrally
separated first spectral resonant envelope that includes the first
fundamental resonant wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and a second spectral
resonant envelope that includes the second fundamental resonant
wavelength .lamda..sub.2. In an embodiment, the first spectral
resonant envelope and the second spectral resonant envelope are
substantially non-overlapping. In an embodiment, the first
fundamental resonant wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and second
fundamental resonant wavelength .lamda..sub.2of the plasmonic
cavity are both in the ultraviolet spectrum. In an embodiment, the
first fundamental resonant wavelength .lamda..sub.1 is in the
ultraviolet spectrum and second fundamental resonant wavelength
.lamda..sub.2 of the plasmonic cavity is in the visible light
spectrum. In an embodiment, the first fundamental resonant
wavelength .lamda..sub.1 is in the ultraviolet spectrum and second
fundamental resonant wavelength .lamda..sub.2of the plasmonic
cavity is in the infrared spectrum. In an embodiment, the first
fundamental resonant wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and second
fundamental resonant wavelength .lamda..sub.2 of the plasmonic
cavity are both in the visible light spectrum. In an embodiment,
the first fundamental resonant wavelength .lamda..sub.1 is in the
visible light spectrum and second fundamental resonant wavelength
.lamda..sub.2of the plasmonic cavity is in the infrared spectrum.
In an embodiment, the first fundamental resonant wavelength
.lamda..sub.1 and second fundamental resonant wavelength
.lamda..sub.2 of the plasmonic cavity are both in the infrared
spectrum. In an embodiment, the second fundamental resonant cavity
wavelength .lamda..sub.2 of the plasmonic nanoparticle is a
harmonic of the first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda.1 of the plasmonic cavity. In an embodiment, a ratio of the
second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2to the
first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 is an
integer. In an embodiment, a ratio of the second fundamental
resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2 to the first fundamental
resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 is a rational number. For
example, a rational number may include 3/2. In an embodiment, the
second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2is a
3.sup.rd harmonic of the first fundamental resonant cavity
wavelength .lamda..sub.1 of the plasmonic cavity; and each
fluorescent particle of the plurality of fluorescent particles
includes a fluorescent particle with a 3.sup.rd harmonic
nonlinearity having an emission spectrum including the second
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2. For example,
a 3.sup.rd order plasmonic nanoparticle may be built by binding
three plasmonic nanocubes together in a 1.times.3 configuration.
For example, doubly-resonant nanocubes may be assembled, such as
with a non-square rectangular base, to generate 3rd harmonic light
from nonlinear materials. For example, a fluorescent material with
a 3rd harmonic nonlinearity may be placed in the dialectic-filled
gap 130. The strong electric field components of the resonant field
are expected to generate 3rd harmonic light.
[0029] In an embodiment of the dielectric-filled gap 130, the
dielectric includes a non-linear optical material having a
non-linear response configured to enhance emission at the second
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2.
[0030] In an embodiment, the plasmonic nanoparticle 120 includes a
plurality of plasmonic nanoparticles. Each plasmonic nanoparticle
of the plurality of plasmonic nanoparticles has a base 122 with the
second negative-permittivity layer 124 comprising the second
plasmonic surface 126. In an embodiment, the plasmonic nanoparticle
includes a doubly-resonant plasmonic nanoparticle. In an
embodiment, at least one of the plasmonic nanoparticle 120, the
substrate 110, or the dielectric 130 includes a nonlinear harmonic
material. In this embodiment, the first fundamental resonant cavity
wavelength .lamda..sub.1 is a fundamental resonant cavity
wavelength of the nonlinear harmonic material and the second
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2is a harmonic
wavelength of the fundamental resonant cavity wavelength.
[0031] In an embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus 100, the first
plasmonic surface 114 is coated with at least two fluorescent
particles of the plurality of fluorescent particles 150. In an
embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus, the second plasmonic surface
126 is coated with at least two fluorescent particles of the
plurality of fluorescent particles.
[0032] In an embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus 100, the
plurality of fluorescent particles 150 are included in the
dielectric-filled gap 130. In an embodiment, the dielectric-filed
gap is a subwavelength dielectric-filled gap. In an embodiment of
the plasmonic apparatus, the plasmonic cavity 142 includes a
plasmonic subwavelength cavity. In an embodiment of the plasmonic
apparatus, the plasmonic cavity includes a plasmonic resonator.
[0033] In an embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus 100, the first
plasmonic surface 114 includes an adhesive configured to bond the
first plasmonic surface with the dielectric material of the
dielectric-filled gap 130. In an embodiment of the plasmonic
apparatus, the first negative-permittivity layer 112 has negative
permittivity within a defined wavelength range. In an embodiment of
the plasmonic apparatus, the second negative-permittivity layer 124
has negative permittivity within a defined wavelength range. In an
embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus, the first
negative-permittivity layer includes a metallic layer. In an
embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus, the first
negative-permittivity layer includes a semi-metallic layer. In an
embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus, the first
negative-permittivity layer includes a semiconductor layer. In an
embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus, the first
negative-permittivity layer includes a polaritonic dielectric
layer. In an embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus, the second
negative-permittivity layer at least partially covers the base of
the plasmonic nanoparticle 120. In an embodiment of the plasmonic
apparatus, the second negative-permittivity layer is formed over at
least the base 122 of the plasmonic nanoparticle. In an embodiment
of the plasmonic apparatus, the second negative-permittivity layer
includes a noble metal. In an embodiment of the plasmonic
apparatus, the second negative-permittivity layer includes a
metallic layer. In an embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus, the
second negative-permittivity layer includes a semimetal layer. In
an embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus, the second
negative-permittivity layer includes a semiconductor layer or a
polaritonic dielectric layer. In an embodiment of the plasmonic
apparatus, the second negative-permittivity layer includes an
adhesive configured to bond the second negative-permittivity layer
with a dielectric material of the dielectric-filled gap. In an
embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus, the at least a portion of
the dielectric-filled gap includes a dielectric coating applied to
the first plasmonic surface of the substrate. In an embodiment of
the plasmonic apparatus, the at least a portion of the
dielectric-filled gap includes a dielectric coating applied to the
second plasmonic surface of the plasmonic nanoparticle.
[0034] In an embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus 100, the
dielectric-filled gap 130 is less than 5 nm thick 132. In an
embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus, the dielectric-filled gap is
less than 100 nm thick. In an embodiment of the plasmonic
apparatus, the dielectric-filled gap is less than 50 nm thick. In
an embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus, the dielectric-filled gap
is less than 25 nm. In an embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus,
the dielectric-filled gap is greater than 0 nm and less than 50 nm.
In an embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus, the dielectric-filled
gap is greater than 5 nm. In an embodiment of the plasmonic
apparatus, the dielectric material of the dielectric-filled gap 130
includes a hard or soft dielectric material.
[0035] In an embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus 100, each
fluorescent particle of the plurality of fluorescent particles 150
has an absorption peak or maxima at a wavelength substantially
aligned with the first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.1 and an emission peak or maxima substantially aligned
with the second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.2. In an embodiment, each fluorescent particle of the
plurality of fluorescent particles 150 has an absorption maxima at
a wavelength substantially aligned with the first fundamental
resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and an emission maxima
substantially aligned with the second fundamental resonant cavity
wavelength .lamda..sub.2. In an embodiment of the plasmonic
apparatus, the plurality of fluorescent particles 150 includes a
plurality of fluorescent molecules. In an embodiment of the
plasmonic apparatus, the plurality of fluorescent particles
includes a plurality of fluorescent carbon particles. For example,
fluorescent carbon particles are described in N. Ranjan, Highly
Fluorescent Carbon Nanoparticles, U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 20120178099
(published Jul. 12, 2012). In an embodiment of the plasmonic
apparatus, the plurality of fluorescent particles includes a
plurality of fluorescent semiconductor crystals. In an embodiment
of the plasmonic apparatus, the plurality of fluorescent particles
includes a plurality of fluorescent metal particles. In an
embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus, the plurality of fluorescent
particles includes a plurality of fluorescent quantum dots. In an
embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus, the plurality of fluorescent
particles includes a plurality of fluorescent proteins. For
example, fluorescent proteins may include green fluorescent
proteins.
[0036] In an embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus 100, the
substrate 110 is another base of another plasmonic nanoparticle.
See FIG. 8, infra. In an embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus, the
another base of the another plasmonic nanoparticle has a shape at
least substantially similar to a shape of the base 122 of the
plasmonic nanoparticle 120. In an embodiment of the plasmonic
apparatus 100, the another base of the another plasmonic
nanoparticle has a shape that overlaps a shape of the base of the
plasmonic nanoparticle. For example, the base of the another
plasmonic nanoparticle may have a larger surface area than the base
of the plasmonic nanoparticle.
[0037] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate another embodiment of the plasmonic
apparatus 100. The plasmonic apparatus includes the substrate 110
having the first negative-permittivity layer 112 comprising the
first plasmonic surface 114. The plasmonic apparatus includes the
plasmonic nanoparticle 120 having a base 122 with the second
negative-permittivity layer 124 comprising the second plasmonic
surface 126. The plasmonic apparatus includes the dielectric-filled
gap 130 between the first plasmonic surface and the second
plasmonic surface. A plasmonic cavity 142 created by an assembly
140 of the first plasmonic surface, the second plasmonic surface,
and the dielectric-filed gap, and having a spectrally separated
first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and
second resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2 that is a 3.sup.rd
harmonic of the first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.1. The plasmonic apparatus includes the plurality of
fluorescent particles 150 located in the dielectric-filled gap.
Each fluorescent particle of the plurality of fluorescent particles
has an absorption spectrum including the first fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and a 3.sup.rd harmonic
nonlinearity with an emission spectrum including the second
resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2.
[0038] In an embodiment of the plasmonic apparatus 100, each
fluorescent particle of the plurality of fluorescent particles 150
has an absorption peak at a wavelength substantially aligned with
the first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and
a 3.sup.rd harmonic nonlinearity with an emission peak at a
wavelength substantially aligned with the second resonant cavity
wavelength .lamda..sub.2.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates an example operational flow 200. After a
start operation, the operational flow includes a photoexcitation
operation 210. The photoexcitation operation includes directing a
first electromagnetic beam that includes a first wavelength
.lamda..sub.1 at a plasmonic apparatus. A photoluminescence
operation 220 includes emitting a second electromagnetic beam at a
second wavelength .lamda..sub.2from the plasmonic apparatus. The
second electromagnetic beam has a higher quantum energy level than
the first electromagnetic beam. The plasmonic apparatus comprising
a substrate has a first negative-permittivity layer comprising a
first plasmonic surface. The plasmonic apparatus comprising a
plasmonic nanoparticle having a base with a second
negative-permittivity layer comprising a second plasmonic surface.
The plasmonic apparatus comprising a dielectric-filled gap between
the first plasmonic surface and the second plasmonic surface. A
plasmonic cavity created by an assembly of the first plasmonic
surface, the second plasmonic surface, and the dielectric-filled
gap, and having a spectrally separated first fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and second fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2. The plasmonic apparatus comprising
a plurality of fluorescent particles located in the
dielectric-filled gap. Each fluorescent particle of the plurality
of fluorescent particles has an absorption spectrum including the
first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and an
emission spectrum including the second fundamental resonant cavity
wavelength .lamda..sub.2. The operational flow includes an end
operation.
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates an example gain system 300. The gain
system includes a gain medium 302. The gain medium includes a
plurality of plasmonic apparatus 305. Each plasmonic apparatus of
the plurality of plasmonic apparatus includes a substrate having a
first negative-permittivity layer comprising a first plasmonic
surface and an associated at least one plasmonic nanoparticle
having a base with a second negative-permittivity layer comprising
a second plasmonic surface. FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration of
the plasmonic apparatus with a plurality of plasmonic nanoparticles
320A, 320B, and 320C in a spaced-apart linear arrangement relative
to a single substrate 310 having a first negative-permittivity
layer 312 comprising a first plasmonic surface 314. While the
plurality of plasmonic nanoparticles is illustrated in a
spaced-apart linear arrangement, they may be arranged in any manner
on the substrate, for example in a grid format. In another
embodiment, a configuration of the plasmonic apparatus may include
a single plasmonic surface and a single plasmonic nanoparticle. In
an embodiment, the plurality of plasmonic apparatus are suspended
in, carried by, or incorporated into the gain medium. The gain
system includes the plurality of plasmonic apparatus. Each
plasmonic apparatus of the plurality of plasmonic apparatus
includes a substrate 310 having a first negative-permittivity layer
312 comprising a first plasmonic surface 314.
[0041] While each plasmonic apparatus 305 may be associated with an
individual substrate, FIG. 4 illustrates the substrate 310 having a
first negative-permittivity layer 312 comprising a first plasmonic
surface 314. Each plasmonic apparatus of the plurality of plasmonic
apparatus further includes the plurality of plasmonic nanoparticles
305 each having a base with a second negative-permittivity layer
comprising a second plasmonic surface, illustrated by plasmonic
nanoparticle 320B having a base 322B with a second
negative-permittivity layer 324B comprising a second plasmonic
surface 326B. Each plasmonic apparatus of the plurality of
plasmonic apparatus includes a dielectric-filled gap 330 between
the first plasmonic surface and the second plasmonic surface. A
plasmonic cavity 342 created by an assembly 340 of the first
plasmonic surface, the second plasmonic surface, and the
dielectric-filed gap, and having a spectrally separated first
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and second
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2. Each
plasmonic apparatus of the plurality of plasmonic apparatus
includes a plurality of fluorescent particles 350 located in the
dielectric-filled gap. Each fluorescent particle of the plurality
of fluorescent particles has an absorption spectrum including the
first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and an
emission spectrum including the second fundamental resonant cavity
wavelength .lamda..sub.2. An application to the gain medium of an
electron pumping excitation at the first fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 produces an amplified
electromagnetic wave emission from the gain medium at the second
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2. In an
embodiment, the amplified electromagnetic wave emission includes
emitting electromagnetic waves or photons at the second fundamental
resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2 having a higher energy
level than the applied electromagnetic waves or photons at first
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1. In an
embodiment, a photoexcitation of the gain medium of at the first
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 produces
photoluminescence from the gain medium at the second fundamental
resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2. In an embodiment, the
gain system includes a plasmonic laser system producing a surface
plasmon amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. For
example, the amplified electromagnetic wave emission may include an
amplified visible light emission. For example, the amplified
electromagnetic wave emission may include an amplified ultraviolet
light emission. For example, the amplified light emission may
include an amplified infrared light emission.
[0042] In an embodiment of the gain system 300, the amplified
electromagnetic wave emission includes an amplified propagating
electromagnetic wave. In an embodiment, the amplified
electromagnetic wave emission includes an amplified plasmonic
radiation. For example, the amplified plasmonic radiation may
propagate along a guide, trace, or pathway on the first plasmonic
surface 314. In an embodiment, the amplified electromagnetic wave
emission includes an amplified visible light emission. In an
embodiment, the amplified electromagnetic wave emission includes an
amplified ultraviolet light emission. In an embodiment, the
amplified electromagnetic wave emission includes an amplified
infrared light emission.
[0043] In an embodiment, the gain medium 302 includes a laser gain
medium. In an embodiment, the gain system 300 includes an electron
pumping apparatus configured to excite the gain medium at the first
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1. In an
embodiment, the electron pumping apparatus includes an optical
pumping apparatus. For example, an optical pumping system may
include a flash lamp, arc lamp, discharge semiconductors, or laser.
In an embodiment, the electron pumping apparatus includes an
electrical current pumping apparatus. For example, an electrical
current pumping apparatus may include semiconductors, or gases via
high voltage discharges.
[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates an example operational flow 400 for
amplifying electromagnetic waves. After a start operation, the
operational flow includes a photoexcitation operation 410. The
photoexcitation operation includes applying to a gain medium an
electron pumping excitation at a first fundamental resonant cavity
wavelength .lamda..sub.1 of the gain medium. The operational flow
includes a photoluminescence operation 420 emitting from the gain
medium amplified electromagnetic waves at a second fundamental
resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2 of the gain medium. The
gain medium includes a plurality of plasmonic apparatus 430. Each
plasmonic apparatus of the plurality of plasmonic apparatus
includes a substrate has a first negative-permittivity layer
comprising a first plasmonic surface. Each plasmonic apparatus
includes a plasmonic nanoparticle has a base with a second
negative-permittivity layer comprising a second plasmonic surface.
Each plasmonic apparatus includes a dielectric-filled gap between
the first plasmonic surface and the second plasmonic surface. A
plasmonic cavity created by an assembly of the first plasmonic
surface, the second plasmonic surface, and the dielectric-filled
gap, and having a spectrally separated first fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1and second fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2. Each plasmonic apparatus includes
a plurality of fluorescent particles located in the
dielectric-filled gap. Each fluorescent particle of the plurality
of fluorescent particles has an absorption spectrum including the
first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and an
emission spectrum including the second fundamental resonant cavity
wavelength .lamda..sub.2. The application to the gain medium of the
electron pumping excitation at the first fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 produces an amplified
electromagnetic wave emission from the gain medium at the second
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2. In an
embodiment, the amplified electromagnetic wave emission includes an
amplified propagating electromagnetic wave. In an embodiment, the
amplified electromagnetic wave emission includes an amplified
plasmonic radiation. In an embodiment, the amplified
electromagnetic wave emission includes an amplified visible light
emission. In an embodiment, the amplified electromagnetic wave
emission includes an amplified ultraviolet light emission. In an
embodiment, the amplified electromagnetic wave emission includes an
amplified infrared light emission. The operational flow includes an
end operation.
[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates an example plasmonic nanoparticle dimer
505. The plasmonic dimer includes a first plasmonic nanoparticle
520.1 having a base 522.1 with a second negative-permittivity layer
524.1 comprising a second plasmonic surface 526.1. The plasmonic
dimer includes a second plasmonic nanoparticle 520.2 having a base
522.2 with a second negative-permittivity layer 524.2 comprising a
second plasmonic surface 526.2. The plasmonic dimer includes a
dielectric-filled gap 530 between the first plasmonic outer surface
and the second plasmonic outer surface. A plasmonic cavity 542
created by an assembly 540 of the first plasmonic surface, the
second plasmonic surface, and the dielectric-filled gap, and having
a spectrally separated first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.1 and second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.2. The plasmonic dimer includes a plurality of
fluorescent particles 550 located in the dielectric-filled gap.
Each fluorescent particle of the plurality of fluorescent particles
has an absorption spectrum including the first fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and an emission spectrum including
the second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.2.
[0046] In an embodiment of the plasmonic nanoparticle dimer 505,
the first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 is a
function of a first characteristic of the first plasmonic
nanoparticle 520.1 and a first characteristic of the second
plasmonic nanoparticle 520.2. The second fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2is a function of a second
characteristic of the first plasmonic nanoparticle and a second
characteristic of the second nanoparticle. In an embodiment, the
first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 is a
function of a first structural characteristic of the first
plasmonic nanoparticle and a first structural characteristic of the
second plasmonic nanoparticle, and the second fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2 is a function of a second
structural characteristic of the first plasmonic nanoparticle and a
second structural characteristic of the second nanoparticle. In an
embodiment, the first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.1 is a function of a first dimensional characteristic
of the first plasmonic nanoparticle and a first dimensional
characteristic of the second plasmonic nanoparticle. The second
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2is a function
of a second dimensional characteristic of the first plasmonic
nanoparticle and a second dimensional characteristic of the second
nanoparticle. In an embodiment, the first fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 is a function of a first side
dimension of a non-square rectangular base of the first plasmonic
nanoparticle and a first side dimension of a non-square rectangular
base of the second plasmonic nanoparticle. The second fundamental
resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2is a function of a second
side dimension of the non-square rectangular base of the first of
the first plasmonic nanoparticle and a second side dimension of the
non-square rectangular base of the second nanoparticle.
[0047] In an embodiment of the plasmonic nanoparticle dimer 505,
the first negative-permittivity layer 524.1 includes a metallic
layer. In an embodiment of the plasmonic nanoparticle dimer, the
second negative-permittivity layer 524.2 includes a metallic
layer.
[0048] In an embodiment of the plasmonic nanoparticle dimer 505,
the dielectric-filled gap 530 includes a non-electrically
conductive dielectric-filled gap. In an embodiment, the
dielectric-filled gap includes a dielectric film or dielectric
coating applied to the first plasmonic nanoparticle. In an
embodiment, the dielectric-filled gap includes at least one
dielectric element projecting outward from the first plasmonic
outer surface. In an embodiment, the dielectric-filled gap includes
a dielectric spacer element coupled with the first plasmonic outer
surface. In an embodiment, the dielectric-filled gap includes a
dielectric-filled gap separating the first plasmonic outer surface
from the second plasmonic outer surface. In an embodiment, the
dielectric-filled gap is configured to establish or maintain a
selected dielectric-filled gap between the first plasmonic outer
surface and the second plasmonic outer surface. In an embodiment,
the dielectric-filled gap is configured to establish or maintain a
dielectric-filled gap between the first plasmonic outer surface and
the second plasmonic outer surface. In an embodiment, the
dielectric-filled gap is configured to establish a minimum
dielectric-filled gap between the first plasmonic outer surface and
the second plasmonic outer surface. In an embodiment, the
dielectric-filled gap is less than a maximum chord length of the
first plasmonic nanoparticle. In an embodiment, the
dielectric-filled gap is less than about 10 percent of the maximum
chord length of the first plasmonic nanoparticle. In an embodiment,
the dielectric-filled gap is greater than about 0.05 percent of the
maximum chord length of the first plasmonic nanoparticle. In an
embodiment, the dielectric-filled gap has a thickness 532 of less
than about 50 nm. In an embodiment, the dielectric-filled gap has a
thickness less than about 20 nm. In an embodiment, the
dielectric-filled gap has a thickness of less than about 10 nm.
[0049] In an embodiment, a gas, fluid, or solid gain medium 560
carries the plasmonic nanoparticle dimer 505. In an embodiment, a
gas, fluid, or solid colloid gain medium carries the plasmonic
nanoparticle dimer.
[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates an environment 600 that includes an
electromagnetic wave gain system 605. The gain system includes a
dispersion 610 of a plurality of plasmonic nanoparticle dimers 605
in a gain medium 660. In an embodiment, at least one dimer of the
plurality plasmonic nanoparticle dimers 605 is substantially
similar to the plasmonic nanoparticle dimer 505 described in
conjunction with FIG. 6. Using the plasmonic nanoparticle dimer 505
to illustrate the plasmonic nanoparticle dimers 605, the plasmonic
dimer includes a first plasmonic nanoparticle 520.1 having a base
522.1 with a second negative-permittivity layer 524.1 comprising a
second plasmonic surface 526.1. The plasmonic dimer includes a
second plasmonic nanoparticle 520.2 having a base 522.2 with a
second negative-permittivity layer 524.2 comprising a second
plasmonic surface 526.2. The plasmonic dimer includes a
dielectric-filled gap 530 between the first plasmonic outer surface
and the second plasmonic outer surface. A plasmonic cavity 542
created by an assembly 540 of the first plasmonic surface, the
second plasmonic surface, and the dielectric-filled gap, and having
a spectrally separated first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.1and second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.2. The plasmonic dimer includes a plurality of
fluorescent particles 550 located in the dielectric-filled gap.
Each fluorescent particle of the plurality of fluorescent particles
has an absorption spectrum including the first fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and an emission spectrum including
the second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2.
The gain system includes a gain medium 670. An application to the
gain medium of an electron pumping excitation at the first
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 produces an
amplified electromagnetic wave emission from the gain medium at the
second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2. In an
embodiment, the amplified electromagnetic wave emission includes an
amplified propagating electromagnetic wave. In an embodiment, the
amplified electromagnetic wave emission includes an amplified
plasmonic radiation. In an embodiment, the amplified
electromagnetic wave emission includes an amplified visible light
emission. In an embodiment, the amplified electromagnetic wave
emission includes an amplified ultraviolet light emission. In an
embodiment, the amplified electromagnetic wave emission includes an
amplified infrared light emission.
[0051] In an embodiment, the gain medium 670 includes a colloid
mixture. In an embodiment, the gain medium includes a fluid. In an
embodiment, the gain medium includes a solid. In an embodiment, the
gain medium includes a gas. In an embodiment, the gain system 605
includes a container configured to hold the gain medium. In an
embodiment, the gain system includes an electron pumping apparatus
680 configured to excite the gain medium at the first fundamental
resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1. In an embodiment, the
electron pumping apparatus includes an optical pumping
apparatus.
[0052] FIG. 8 illustrates an example operational flow 700. After a
start operation, the operational flow includes a photoexcitation
operation 710. The photoexcitation operation includes applying to a
gain medium an electron pumping excitation at a first fundamental
resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 of the gain medium. In an
embodiment, the photoexcitation operation may be implemented using
the electron pumping apparatus 680 to excite the gain system 605
described in conjunction with FIG. 7. The operational flow includes
a photoluminescence operation 720 emitting from the gain medium
amplified electromagnetic waves at a second fundamental resonant
cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2 of the gain medium. The gain medium
includes a plurality of plasmonic nanoparticle dimers 730. Each
plasmonic nanoparticle dimer of the plurality of plasmonic
nanoparticle dimers includes a first plasmonic nanoparticle having
a base with a second negative-permittivity layer comprising a
second plasmonic surface. Each plasmonic nanoparticle dimer of the
plurality of plasmonic nanoparticle dimers includes a second
plasmonic nanoparticle having a base with a second
negative-permittivity layer comprising a second plasmonic surface.
Each plasmonic nanoparticle dimer of the plurality of plasmonic
nanoparticle dimers includes dielectric-filled gap between the
first plasmonic outer surface and the second plasmonic outer
surface. A plasmonic cavity created by an assembly of the first
plasmonic surface, the second plasmonic surface, and the
dielectric-filled gap, and having a spectrally separated first
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and second
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2. Each
plasmonic nanoparticle dimer of the plurality of plasmonic
nanoparticle dimers includes a plurality of fluorescent particles
located in the dielectric-filled gap. Each fluorescent particle of
the plurality of fluorescent particles has an absorption spectrum
including the first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.1 and an emission spectrum including the second
fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.2, wherein the
application to the gain medium of the electron pumping excitation
at the first fundamental resonant cavity wavelength .lamda..sub.1
produces an amplified electromagnetic wave emission from the gain
medium at the second fundamental resonant cavity wavelength
.lamda..sub.2. The operational flow includes an end operation.
[0053] All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety or to the extent their subject matter
is not otherwise inconsistent herewith.
[0054] In some embodiments, "configured" or " configured to"
includes at least one of designed, set up, shaped, implemented,
constructed, or adapted for at least one of a particular purpose,
application, or function. In some embodiments, "configured" or
"configured to" includes positioned, oriented, or structured for at
least one of a particular purpose, application, or function.
[0055] It will be understood that, in general, terms used herein,
and especially in the appended claims, are generally intended as
"open" terms. For example, the term "including" should be
interpreted as "including but not limited to." For example, the
term "having" or "has" should be interpreted as "having at least."
For example, the term "has" should be interpreted as "having at
least." For example, the term "includes" should be interpreted as
"includes but is not limited to," etc. It will be further
understood that if a specific number of an introduced claim
recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited
in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent
is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following
appended claims may contain usage of introductory phrases such as
"at least one" or "one or more" to introduce claim recitations.
However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply
that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite
articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such
introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such
recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory
phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles
such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a receiver" should typically be
interpreted to mean "at least one receiver"); the same holds true
for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim
recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an
introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, it will be
recognized that such recitation should typically be interpreted to
mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "at
least two chambers," or "a plurality of chambers," without other
modifiers, typically means at least two chambers).
[0056] In those instances where a phrase such as "at least one of
A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," or "an [item] selected
from the group consisting of A, B, and C," is used, in general such
a construction is intended to be disjunctive (e.g., any of these
phrases would include but not be limited to systems that have A
alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and
C together, or A, B, and C together, and may further include more
than one of A, B, or C, such as A.sub.1, A.sub.2, and C together,
A, B.sub.1, B.sub.2, C.sub.1, and C.sub.2 together, or B.sub.1 and
B.sub.2 together). It will be further understood that virtually any
disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative
terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be
understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the
terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase
"A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or
"B" or "A and B."
[0057] The herein described aspects depict different components
contained within, or connected with, different other components. It
is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely
examples, and that in fact many other architectures can be
implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual
sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same
functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired
functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein
combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as
"associated with" each other such that the desired functionality is
achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.
Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as
being "operably connected," or "operably coupled," to each other to
achieve the desired functionality. Any two components capable of
being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably
couplable" to each other to achieve the desired functionality.
Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited
to physically mateable or physically interacting components or
wirelessly interactable or wirelessly interacting components.
[0058] With respect to the appended claims the recited operations
therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although
various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should
be understood that the various operations may be performed in other
orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed
concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include
overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental,
preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant
orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Use of "Start,"
"End," "Stop," or the like blocks in the block diagrams is not
intended to indicate a limitation on the beginning or end of any
operations or functions in the diagram. Such flowcharts or diagrams
may be incorporated into other flowcharts or diagrams where
additional functions are performed before or after the functions
shown in the diagrams of this application. Furthermore, terms like
"responsive to," "related to," or other past-tense adjectives are
generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context
dictates otherwise.
[0059] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed
herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed
herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be
limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the
following claims.
* * * * *