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Abstract Directed high-speed motion of nanoscale objects in fluids can have a wide range of applications like molecular machinery, nano robotics, and material assembly. Here, we report ballistic plasmonic Au nanoparticle (NP) swimmers with unprecedented speeds (~336,000 μm s−1) realized by not only optical pushing but also pulling forces from a single Gaussian laser beam. Both the optical pulling and high speeds are made possible by a unique NP-laser interaction. The Au NP excited by the laser at the surface plasmon resonance peak can generate a nanoscale bubble, which can encapsulate the NP (i.e., supercavitation) to create a virtually frictionless environment for it to move, like the Leidenfrost effect. Certain NP-in-bubble configurations can lead to the optical pulling of NP against the photon stream. The demonstrated ultra-fast, light-driven NP movement may benefit a wide range of nano- and bio-applications and provide new insights to the field of optical pulling force.
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TOWARDS HIGH BRIGHTNESS FROM PLASMON-ENHANCED PHOTOEMITTERS
Plasmonic cathodes, whose nanoscale features may locally enhance optical energy from the driving laser trapped at the vacuum interface, have emerged as a promising technology for improving the brightness of metal cathodes. A six orders of magnitude improvement [1] in the non-linear yield of metals has been experimentally demonstrated through this type of nanopatterning. Further, nanoscale lens structures may focus light below its free-space wavelength offering multiphoton photoemission from a region near 10 times smaller [2] than that achievable in typical photoinjectors. In this proceeding, we report on our efforts to characterize the brightness of two plasmonic cathode concepts: a spiral lens and a nanogroove array. We demonstrate an ability to engineer and fabricate nanoscale patterned cathodes by comparing their optical properties with those computed with a finite difference time domain (FDTD) code. The emittance and nonlinear yield of the cathodes are measured under ultrafast laser irradiation. Finally, prospects of this technology for the control and acceleration of charged particle beams are discussed.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1719875
- PAR ID:
- 10411965
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Proceedings of the 5th North American Particle Accelerator Conference
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
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