ABSTRACT
We report on the first demonstration of a quaternary-logical resonatorless optical memory element with information encoded in the structural phase of a single 80 nm gallium nanoparticle. The size of the memory element is comparable with bits in next-generation hard disks, and radically smaller than previously suggested memories exploiting optical resonators. Furthermore, the energy required for switching the nanoparticle is an order of magnitude less than needed in DVD, DVR, or hard disk technologies.
ABSTRACT
In a single gallium nanoparticulate, self-assembled (from an atomic beam) in a nanoaperture at the tip of a tapered optical fiber, we have observed reversible light-induced reflectivity changes associated with a sequence of transformations between a number of structural forms with different optical properties, stimulated by optical excitation at nanowatt power levels. The ability to change the optical properties of a nanoparticulate using structural transformations provides a new mechanism for photonic functionality on the nanoscale.
