Purdue Research Foundation

New Mexico State University Technology Transfer Corporation

Vladimir P Drachev

Vladimir M Shalaev

Alexander V Kildishev

Thomas M Shay

Dor Ben-Amotz

Robert L Armstrong

Andrey K Sarychev

Z Charles Ying

Wenshan Cai

Dongmao Zhang

Won-Tae Kim

Vladimir P Safonov

A tunable super-lens (TSL) for nanoscale optical sensing and imaging of bio-molecules and nano-manufacturing utilizes negative-index materials (NIMs) that operate in the visible or near infrared light. The NIMs can create a lens that will perform sub-wavelength imaging, enhanced resolution imaging, or flat lens imaging. This new TSL covers two different operation scales. For short distances between the object and its image, a near-field super-lens (NFSL) can create or enhance images of objects located at distances much less than the wavelength of light. For the far-zone, negative values are necessary for both the permittivity &#x2208; a permeability &#x3bc;. While well-structured periodic meta-materials, which require delicate design and precise fabrication, can be used, metal-dielectric composites are also candidates for NIMs in the optical range. The negative-refraction in the composite films can be made by using frequency-selective photomodification.

Near field raman imaging

Instruments for molecular detection at the nano-molar to femto-molar concentration level include a longitudinal capillary column () of known wall thickness and diameter. The column () contains a medium () including a target molecule () and a plurality of optically interactive dielectric beads () on the order of about 10meters up to about 10meters and/or metal nanoparticles () on the order of 1-500 nm. A flow inducer () causes longitudinal movement of the target molecule within the column (). A laser () introduces energy laterally with respect to the column () at a wavelength and in a direction selected to have a resonant mode within the capillary column wall () and couple to the medium (). A detector () is positioned to detect Raman scattering occurring along the column () due to the presence of the target molecule.

Plasmonic and/or microcavity enhanced optical protein sensing

A Raman imaging and sensing apparatus is described. The apparatus employs a nanoantenna structure which includes a metal tip spaced from a metal surface or particle. A light beam impinges upon the nanoantenna and causes plasmon resonance. The plasmon resonance excites a sample resulting in dramatically enhanced Raman scattering of the sample. The Raman scatter is collected by a spectrophotometer which provides an output signal indicative of the composition of the sample.

Raman imaging and sensing apparatus employing nanoantennas

A method and apparatus for enhanced optical emissions, the apparatus comprising a light source, a microcavity, and a medium comprising nanoparticles, located within or near the microcavity. The nanoparticles are either non-aggregated or are aggregated in the form of fractals. The nanoparticles and microcavity exhibit enhanced linear and non-linear optical emission. The light emitting apparatus can be used for wavelength translation, amplification, optical parametric oscillation, light detection and ranging, increased sensitivity, high density optical data storage, and near-field optical spectroscopy.

Optical enhancement with nanoparticles and microcavities

Growing community of inventors

West Lafayette, IN, United States of America

Vladimir P Drachev