Abstract

Abstract

Light driven propulsion promises faster and more efficient ways for space exploration. Future progress necessitates new materials and better ways of radiation pressure control. Here, I will present ultra lightweight photonic platforms and show conceptually new ways for solar and laser propulsion.

Abstract

Hyper Rayleigh Scattering Optical Activity (HRS-OA) is a nonlinear nanophotonic effect that was predicted 40 years ago. Despite numerous attempts to demonstrate it experimentally, it remained elusive; until now. We report the first observation of HRS-OA, in chiral nanohelices made of silver.

Abstract

Photoluminescence measurements from spatially confined resonant gap-mode plasmons in a metal-dielectric-metal geometry is performed. The PL signal is nonlinear and broadband in character, and the nonlinear power dependence is seen to deviate from spatially random systems such as rough metal films.

Abstract

Epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials such as the transparent conducting oxides have arisen as promising nonlinear materials due to enhanced light matter interactions. However, loss plays a key role. Here we discuss these advances and develop phenomenological models to guide efforts, focusing on the role of loss.