A new scientific review explores the exciting potential of hot carriers, energetic electrons generated by light in plasmonic nanostructures. These tiny structures hold immense promise for future technologies due to their unique way of interacting with light and creating hot carriers.
The study is published in the journal eLight.
Hot carriers are electrons with a surplus of energy. When light strikes a plasmonic nanostructure, it can excite these electrons, pushing them out of equilibrium. This non-equilibrium state unlocks a range of fascinating phenomena.
Hot carriers can be used to control light itself, potentially leading to novel applications in light-based technologies. They can also drive chemical reactions at the surface of the nanostructure, paving the way for advanced photocatalysis. Also, hot carriers can generate electrical currents, opening doors for new ultrafast detectors and optoelectronic devices.
To read more, click here.