Optical Antennas

Description

This consistent and systematic review of recent advances in optical antenna theory and practice brings together leading experts in the fields of electrical engineering, nano-optics and nano-photonics, physical chemistry and nanofabrication. Fundamental concepts and functionalities relevant to optical antennas are explained, together with key principles for optical antenna modelling, design and characterisation. Recognising the tremendous potential of this technology, practical applications are also outlined. Presenting a clear translation of the concepts of radio antenna design, near-field optics and field-enhanced spectroscopy into optical antennas, this interdisciplinary book is an indispensable resource for researchers and graduate students in engineering, optics and photonics, physics and chemistry.

Mario Agio is a Senior Researcher at the National Institute of Optics (INO-CNR) and the European Laboratory for Nonlinear Spectroscopy (LENS), Florence, Italy. His research interests focus on single-molecule spectroscopy and optical nanoscopy, quantum- and nonlinear-optics in photonic nanostructures, plasmonics and metamaterials. He has been awarded the Latsis Prize of ETH-Zurich for his significant contributions to the field of theoretical nano-optics. Andrea Alu is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas, Austin, whose research interests span metamaterials and plasmonics, miniaturised antennas and nanoantennas, nanocircuits and nanostructure modelling. He received the 2012 SPIE Early Career Achievement Award, and the 2011 URSI Issac Koga Gold Medal for his contributions to the theory and application of electromagnetic metamaterials.

'The book, enriched by an illuminating preface by the editors, 958 references grouped at the end of the volume, and a detailed subject index, is an excellent and indispensable tool for researchers as well as for graduate students who undertake their career in this fascinating and promising field.' Giorgio Benedek, University of Milano, Bicocca, and Donostia International Physics Center 'The articles cover fundamental concepts and functionalities, numerical modeling, design, and spectroscopy, and also include practical applications. Its interdisciplinary nature and well-written style will make this volume a valuable resource for both researchers and graduate students in all these fields.' Peter Enders, Optics and Photonics 'The quality of the text, mathematical treatments and figures is very high which makes the book easy to read. There are ample references which allow the reader to delve deeper into any subject raised within the book. [It] presents an overview of a rapidly developing field which is accessible to researchers and students from diverse backgrounds. ... an important reference for any research group working in the development or application of optical antennas.' Peter R. T. Munro, Contemporary Physics