Optical response of heterogeneous polymer layers containing silver nanostructures.

This work is focused on the study of the optical properties of silver nanostructures embedded in a polymer host matrix. The introduction of silver nanostructures in polymer thin films is assumed to result in layers having adaptable optical properties. Thin film layers with inclusions of differently shaped nanoparticles, such as nanospheres and nanoprisms, and of different sizes, are optically characterized. The nanoparticles are produced by a simple chemical synthesis at room temperature in water. The plasmonic resonance peaks of the different colloidal solutions range from 390 to 1300 nm. The non-absorbing, transparent polymer matrix poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) was chosen because of its suitable optical and chemical properties. The optical studies of the layers include spectrophotometry and spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements, which provide information about the reflection, transmission, absorption of the material as well as the complex optical indices, n and k. Finite difference time domain simulations of nanoparticles in thin film layers allow the visualization of the nanoparticle interactions or the electric field enhancement on and around the nanoparticles to complete the optical characterization. A simple analysis method is proposed to obtain the complex refractive index of nanospheres and nanoprisms in a polymer matrix.

Investigation of nanostructured hybrid organic/semiconductor quantum dots in thin film and spatial distribution of the emission.

The optical properties of core-shell quantum dots (QDs) are important for optoelectronic devices and biological applications. In this study, we investigate the optical properties of core-shell CdSe/ZnS QDs embedded in PMMA polymer thin films. The luminescence from QD emission would be more applicable if the spatial distribution of the emission was controllable. We propose a method to control the emission distribution by modifying the nanostructure. A bi-periodic nanostructure was fabricated and characterized in hybrid QD thin films by a nano-imprint technique. The finite difference time domain method was used to simulate the electric field distribution in the measured structure. It is shown that the far-field distribution of the QD emission is controllable by manipulating the nanostructure of the hybrid QD thin films.

Metamaterial filters at optical-infrared frequencies.

We propose two distinctive designs of metamaterials demonstrating filtering functions in the visible and near infrared region. Since the emissivity is related to the absorption of a material, these filters would then offer a high emissivity in the visible and near infrared, and a low one beyond those wavelengths. Usually, such a system find their applications in the thermo-photovoltaics field as it can find as well a particular interest in optoelectronics, especially for optical detection. Numerical analysis has been performed on common metamaterial designs: a perforated metallic plate and a metallic cross grating. Through all these structures, we have demonstrated the various physical phenomena contributing to a reduction in the reflectivity in the optical and near infrared region. By showing realistic geometric parameters, the structures were not only designed to demonstrate an optical filtering function but were also meant to be feasible on large surfaces by lithographic methods such as micro contact printing or nano-imprint lithography.

Flat-top and patterned-topped cone gratings for visible and mid-infrared antireflective properties.

Achieving a broadband antireflection property from material surfaces is one of the highest priorities for those who want to improve the efficiency of solar cells or the sensitivity of photo-detectors. To lower the reflectance of a surface, we are concerned with the study of the optical response of flat-top and patterned-topped cone shaped silicon gratings, based on previous work exploring pyramid gratings. Through rigorous numerical methods such as Finite Different Time Domain, we first designed several flat-top structures that theoretically demonstrate an antireflective character within the middle infrared region. From the opto-geometrical parameters such as period, depth and shape of the pattern determined by numerical analysis, these structures have been fabricated using controlled slope plasma etching processes. In order to extend the antireflective properties up to the visible wavelengths, patterned-topped cones have been fabricated as well. Afterwards, optical characterizations of several samples were carried out. Thus, the performances of the flat-top and patterned-topped cones have been compared in the visible and mid infrared range.

Optical properties of dielectric thin films including quantum dots.

Depending on the minimum size of their micro/nanostructure, thin films can exhibit very different behaviors and optical properties. From optical waveguides down to artificial anisotropy, through diffractive optics and photonic crystals, the application changes when decreasing the minimum feature size. Rigorous electromagnetic theory can be used to model most of the components, but, when the size is a few nanometers, quantum theory also has to be used. The materials, including quantum structures, are of particular interest for many applications, in particular for solar cells because of their luminescent and electronic properties. We show that the properties of electrons in periodic and nonperiodic multiple quantum well structures can be easily modeled with a formalism similar to that used for multilayer waveguides. The effects of different parameters, in particular the coupling between wells and well thickness dispersion, on possible discrete energy levels or the energy band of electrons and on electron wave functions are given. When such quantum confinement appears, the spectral absorption and extinction coefficient dispersion with wavelength are modified. The dispersion of the real part of the refractive index can be deduced from the Kramers-Kronig relations. Associated with homogenization theory, this approach gives a new model of the refractive index for thin films including quantum dots. The bandgap of ZnO quantum dots in solution obtained from the absorption spectrum is in good agreement with our calculation.

Bringing some photonic structures for solar cells to the fore.

A review on the use of photonic structures enabling a better absorption of solar radiation within solar cells is proposed. Specific geometric configurations, such as folded solar cells or fiber-based architectures, are shown to be promising solutions to reach better light absorption. Electromagnetic optimization of thin-film solar cells and the use of angular thin-film filters, proposed by several research groups, also provide solutions to better concentrate solar radiation within the active layers of solar cells. Finally, results on "photonized" solar cells comprising gratings or more advanced photonic components, such as photonic crystals or plasmonic structures, and their effects on light-matter interaction in solar cells are highlighted.