My research combines the knowledge of nano-optics and nano-fabrication for the development of optical antennas. In a three-step approach, our structures are first modeled, designed and simulated using Microwave Studio, Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD), and Discrete Dipole Approximation (DDA). Extensive studies of field distribution, extinction efficiency and their dependence on geometry are carried out prior to physical design.
The nanostructures are fabricated using electron-beam lithography and a novel nanofabrication technique developed by our group called Solid-state superionic stamping (Hsu et al., Nano Lett. 7 (2), 446). We focus on improving the capabilities of current fabrication capabilities beyond 20 nm feature size with added advantages of low cost, high throughput, ambient conditions, and large area patterning.
We apply our understanding of plasmonics and antenna theory to optical wavelengths and explore ways to utilize these sub-wavelength resonant structures for molecular imaging, nanolithography, solar cell efficiency improvement, data storage and optical communication.
Some other areas of my interest are: biomimetics, thin films (especially noble metal films), and biosensing.