UPNEX · Ultrafast phenomena in nanoparticle excitations

The proposed research aims at the investigation of ultrafast nanoparticle excitations, especially in the sub-10-fs domain. To this end, state-of-the-art controlled optical waveforms will be used with pulse durations comparable to the oscillation cycle of light. These sources have been enabling breakthrough achievements in ultrafast science in recent years and the extension of their use in nanoplasmonics also promises novel results. I plan to investigate ultrafast, coupled propagating and localized plasmonic modes via spatially and spectrally resolved photoelectron emission from the nanostructured metal sample as well as scaling effects with femtosecond sources having different wavelengths (800 nm and 1800 nm). Ultrafast photoemission from closely spaced, coupled nanoparticle pairs will also be investigated. With these setups, both quantum and classical effects can be investigated on the photoemitted electrons. These experiments will be enabled by state-of-the-art femtosecond sources, high-resolution electron spectrometers and nanofabrication methods available at the host institute. These will be ideally complemented with my know-how of the applicant in femtosecond technology and ultrafast photoemission experiments. The extension of this know-how towards nanoscience is an expected benefit as a result of the research stay.""