In the last decade, and driven by the strong development of nanotechnology, there has been an increased interest in the study of the light interaction with metallic nanostructures. It was found that tailor designed nanostructured materials (so called metamaterials) offer unrivaled means to control propagation, localization, and polarization of light at the nanoscale. Particularly relevant are composite metamaterials integrating ferromagnetic nanoelements because their intertwined optical and magnetic properties.

The goal of this Master project is to design, create novel optical metamaterials combining ferromagnetic and noble metal nanostructures with designed and tunable optical properties.

To this purpose, advanced modeling tools based on electromagnetic theory, which has been specifically devised to deal with nano-scale optical objects, will be utilized for the design of the metamaterials in the first part of the Master project.  Subsequently, selected metamaterials will be created using the modern nano-lithography tools available in the Center, and their optical and magnetic properties, as well as their mutual dependence, investigated using laser-based spectrometers and magnetometers also available at CIC nanoGUNE.

Such multifunctional magneto-photonic metamaterials are not only of substantial scientific, but also technological interest since they are currently under intense exploration for ultrasensitive molecular sensing applications, opto-activated nanomagnetic logic devices, and ultrathin optical meta-devices.

Description of the research group:

The nano-magnetism Group at CIC nanoGUNE is conducting world-class basic and applied research in the field of magnetism and optics in nano-scale structures. The Group staff has a longstanding expertise and proven track record in fundamental and applied aspects of nano-magnetism and nano-photonics. 

Application:

If you are a master student and you are interested in this project, please get in touch with the scientist in charge: Paolo Vavassori (p.vavassori@nanogune.eu)

To apply for a master scholarship fill in the form below and follow the instructions and recomendations of the general call open until 30 June 2021.