Chapter 6: Nanomechanics and Nanophotonics
The chapter delves into nanomechanics and nanophotonics, focusing on the unique mechanical properties of materials at the nanoscale, such as enhanced elasticity and hardness, as well as sophisticated light-matter interactions. It discusses principles of plasmonics, quantum dots, and photonic crystals, highlighting their applications in various technologies across industries. Understanding these concepts is essential for appreciating how nanoscale mechanics and optics influence modern advancements.
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Sections
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What we have learnt
- Materials at the nanoscale exhibit mechanical properties that differ significantly from bulk properties.
- Light interaction with nanomaterials leads to unique optical phenomena essential for advanced technologies.
- Plasmonics, quantum dots, and photonic crystals play a crucial role in developing sensors, solar cells, and other devices.
Key Concepts
- -- Elasticity
- The ability of a material to return to its original shape after the removal of a mechanical force.
- -- Hardness
- A measure of a material's resistance to permanent deformation or scratching.
- -- Plasmonics
- The study of plasmons, which are quantized oscillations of free electron gas in metals that enhance local electromagnetic fields.
- -- Quantum Dots
- Nanometer-sized semiconductor particles that exhibit quantum confinement effects and have discrete energy levels.
- -- Photonic Crystals
- Materials with periodic variations in refractive index that create photonic band gaps and control light propagation.
Additional Learning Materials
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