2024 Impact factor 2.3
Special Topics

EPJ B Colloquium - Femto-nano-optics: ultrafast nonlinearity of metal nanoparticles

Pump-probe optical spectroscopy setup for single nanoparticle experiments

A deep understanding of the internal dynamics of metal nanoparticles, through the measurement of their time resolved optical response, requires detailed modeling of the physical processes involved. This EPJ B Colloquium explores the nonlinear ultrafast optical response of metal nanoparticles which can be obtained experimentally in ensembles and single nanoparticles, through femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy.

The relationship between this response and the electronic and lattice kinetics of the metal is studied using a model that describes the wavelength and time-dependent modifications of the material's dielectric function. This model is useful to study single silver nanospheres and gold nanorods, as well as ensembles of noble metal nanoparticles and metal–semiconductor nano-hybrids.

The quantitative analysis presented in this Colloquium enables also the elucidation of the physical mechanisms at the origin of ultrafast nonlinearities in confined metals at different timescales.

Managing Editors
Sandrine Karpe and Vijala Kiruvanayagam (EDP Sciences) and Sabine Lehr (Springer-Verlag)
Thank you very much, Isabelle! Very timely. And the cover looks fantastic! We are grateful for the great collaboration! Best wishes.

Dirk Helbing, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Editor EPJ Special Topics 214, 2012

ISSN: 1951-6355 (Print Edition)
ISSN: 1951-6401 (Electronic Edition)

© EDP Sciences and Springer-Verlag