The Nanoscale Optical Properties of Complex Nanostructures

Abstract

Optical nanostructures are becoming an increasingly important aspect of modern technology. As a result high-resolution experimental techniques as well as nanoscale computational methods have become increasingly important in materials science to access the nanoscale effects. From the theoretical side atomistic density functional theory calculations are used to quantitatively determine interface absorption effects in multilayer heterostructures. From the experimental side, scanning transmission electron microscopy coupled with cathodoluminescence and electron energy loss spectroscopy are used to probe complex optical systems with nanoscale precision, specifically focusing on plasmonic nanostructures with unique optical responses. The combination of the two allows for in depth investigations into the optical response of complex nanostructures directly at the nanoscale.