Nanophotonics

Abstract

Single crystalline semiconductor NWs have been extensively investigated as building blocks for ultra-small and entirely new electronic and photonic devices, due to their unique electronic and optical properties. The sub-wavelength diameters of NW structures and tunable energy band gaps provide a host of advantages for investigating generation, detection, amplification and modulation of light. Photonic platforms using NW building blocks also offers the promise of integrated functionalities at dimensions compatible with top-down fabricated electronics. With rational design and synthesis of the NW structures, the capability of controlling and manipulating these structures on surface to form single devices and networks is a crucial step for realizing these chemically synthesized NWs into photonic circuitry. In this chapter we will review progress made in the area of NW photonic devices, including waveguides, light-emitting diodes, lasers, and photodetectors.