Stationary and ultrafast optical behavior of a 1D-photonic cavity containing gold nanoparticles

Nanostructured materials consisting of metal nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in transparent dielectrics have attracted much attention as promising candidates for optical applications compatible with integrated devices. Their optical properties can be modified on an ultrafast time scale by a series of energy conversion and exchange processes following light pulse absorption at wavelengths close to their Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). The combination of these nanoscale photo-induced modifications with the implementation of devices nanostructured at the nanoscale allows conceiving optically controlled photonic functions.