Efficient laser coupling into plasmonic nanoantenna arrays for fabrication and characterization of sensitive infrared bolometers

Abstract

Novel properties of plasmonic nanoantennas and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were applied to realize fast and sensitive infrared bolometers. We showed that strong concentration of optical fields and the small volume of active materials in the gaps of the nanoantenna arrays resulted in an enhanced light-MWNT interaction and hence improved photoresponse of the bolometers. MWNTs were selected as an active material due to their high optical absorption and thermal conductivity. A CO2 laser beam was efficiently coupled into the nanoantenna arrays to selectively grow MWNTs in their gaps and enhance the photoresponse of the bolometers.Novel properties of plasmonic nanoantennas and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were applied to realize fast and sensitive infrared bolometers. We showed that strong concentration of optical fields and the small volume of active materials in the gaps of the nanoantenna arrays resulted in an enhanced light-MWNT interaction and hence improved photoresponse of the bolometers. MWNTs were selected as an active material due to their high optical absorption and thermal conductivity. A CO2 laser beam was efficiently coupled into the nanoantenna arrays to selectively grow MWNTs in their gaps and enhance the photoresponse of the bolometers.