DISC-COUPLED DOTS-ON-PILLAR ANTENNA ARRAY (D2PA) AS A NANOPLASMONIC STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION

Abstract

The research work presented in this dissertation includes design, fabrication and optimization of the Disc-Coupled Dots-on-Pillar Antenna Array (D2PA) structure, and its application to Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS).

The first portion of the thesis contains a review of localized surface plasmon and nanoplasmonic structures (nanoparticle systems and antenna systems), followed by the design, fabrication and characterization of D2PA.

The second part of the thesis focuses on the structural optimization of D2PA, including the nanodots on pillar sidewalls, the disc shape, the disc thickness, and the use of a surface coating.

In the third part of the thesis, the use of D2PA in SERS is illustrated with two examples: explosive material detection with Trinitrotoluene (TNT), and residual pesticide detection with carbendazim in orange juice.

Several related topics are addressed in the appendices, including Moiré pattern analysis, spectrum classification program, D2PA structures made with ‘gain’ materials, and the application of Multiple Double Nanoimprint Lithography (MD-NIL) and Moiré patterns in Gradient Index Lenses (GRIN).