Plasmonic Heating: Efficient and Controlled Heating at the Nanoscale

Heat dissipation and temperature distribution is an essential aspect of nanosystems which can be exploited in a verity of science and engineering applications. It has been always a challenge to bring heat under control in terms of efficiency and localization at the nanoscale. Here, we present theory and simulation of three different nanosystems in which controlled heat generation can be used for specific purposes. First, optimal geometry of arrangement of gold nanoparticles is introduced to form hot spots using continuous laser illumination. It will be proved that Fano resonance is required to make a nano-heater both energy efficient and localized in temperature. Second, we focus on periodic shuriken-like gold indented nanolayers. Simulation of temperature distribution under pulsed laser illumination will be discussed. This structure can be used for selective chemistry and water heating. At last, we introduce methodological approach for the heat generation of ensemble of nanoparticles injected into porcine skin. The theory can be applied for the simulation of thermal imaging and temperature sensing in biological systems.