Seminar by Prof Gordon 'Nanoplasmonics: Reaching Out to the Single Molecule'

Speaker:
Reuven Gordon  Ph.D.  P. Eng.
Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Victoria

Seminar Title:
Nanoplasmonics: Reaching Out to the Single Molecule

Abstract:
Nanoplasmonics refers to the nanostructuring of metals to achieve enhanced light-matter interaction, down to the single molecule level. This talk will highlight some of our research advances towards single-molecule (and other) technologies. In particular, I will discuss reliable single molecule Raman by using the antenna concept of directivity. I will show how we can grab hold of single proteins with light, unfold them and also detect single protein binding with great sensitivity. Recent discoveries on protein -- small molecule interactions and protein -- DNA interactions will be presented. Nanohole array surface plasmon resonance with 10^-7 refractive index unit resolution will be discussed. I will show how nanoplasmonics can improve THz sources, and can allow for enhanced second harmonic generation. Finally, I will talk about large field enhancements that can be achieved by combining nanoplasmonics with permittivity-near-zero materials.