Abstract: A tunable super-lens (TSL) for nanoscale optical sensing and imaging of bio-molecules and nano-manufacturing utilizes negative-index materials (NIMs) that operate in the visible or near infrared light. The NIMs can create a lens that will perform sub-wavelength imaging, enhanced resolution imaging, or flat lens imaging. This new TSL covers two different operation scales. For short distances between the object and its image, a near-field super-lens (NFSL) can create or enhance images of objects located at distances much less than the wavelength of light. For the far-zone, negative values are necessary for both the permittivity ? a permeability ?. While well-structured periodic meta-materials, which require delicate design and precise fabrication, can be used, metal-dielectric composites are also candidates for NIMs in the optical range. The negative-refraction in the composite films can be made by using frequency-selective photomodification.

Abstract: A tunable super-lens (TSL) for nanoscale optical sensing and imaging of bio-molecules and nano-manufacturing utilizes negative-index materials (NIMs) that operate in the visible or near infrared light. The NIMs can create a lens that will perform sub-wavelength imaging, enhanced resolution imaging, or flat lens imaging. This new TSL covers two different operation scales. For short distances between the object and its image, a near-field super-lens (NFSL) can create or enhance images of objects located at distances much less than the wavelength of light. For the far-zone, negative values are necessary for both the permittivity ? a permeability ?. While well-structured periodic meta-materials, which require delicate design and precise fabrication, can be used, metal-dielectric composites are also candidates for NIMs in the optical range. The negative-refraction in the composite films can be made by using frequency-selective photomodification.

Abstract: A composition of resonant passive metal-dielectric elements with gain medium results in a meta-material with an effective negative refractive index and compensated losses. To compensate for losses, additional energy is supplied using the stimulated emission from active elements made of a gain material. The overall objective is to overcome the fundamental threshold in resolution for conventional optical imaging limited to about a half-wavelength of incident light. The negative index material with compensated losses (NIMCOL) can be used in NIM-based optical imaging and sensing devices with enhanced sub-wavelength resolution. A lasing device based on overcompensating for the loss in NIM structures is disclosed as well.

Abstract: Instruments for molecular detection at the nano-molar to femto-molar concentration level include a longitudinal capillary column (10) of known wall thickness and diameter. The column (10) contains a medium (24) including a target molecule (30) and a plurality of optically interactive dielectric beads (26) on the order of about 10?6 meters up to about 10?3 meters and/or metal nanoparticles (31) on the order of 1-500 nm. A flow inducer (34) causes longitudinal movement of the target molecule within the column (10). A laser (14) introduces energy laterally with respect to the column (10) at a wavelength and in a direction selected to have a resonant mode within the capillary column wall (12) and couple to the medium (24). A detector (40) is positioned to detect Raman scattering occurring along the column (10) due to the presence of the target molecule.

Abstract: A Raman imaging and sensing apparatus is described. The apparatus employs a nanoantenna structure which includes a metal tip spaced from a metal surface or particle. A light beam impinges upon the nanoantenna and causes plasmon resonance. The plasmon resonance excites a sample resulting in dramatically enhanced Raman scattering of the sample. The Raman scatter is collected by a spectrophotometer which provides an output signal indicative of the composition of the sample.

Abstract: A Raman imaging and sensing apparatus is described. The apparatus employs a nanoantenna structure which includes a metal tip spaced from a metal surface or particle. A light beam impinges upon the nanoantenna and causes plasmon resonance. The plasmon resonance excites a sample resulting in dramatically enhanced Raman scattering of the sample. The Raman scatter is collected by a spectrophotometer which provides an output signal indicative of the composition of the sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhanced optical emissions, the apparatus comprising a light source, a microcavity, and a medium comprising nanoparticles, located within or near the microcavity. The nanoparticles are either non-aggregated or are aggregated in the form of fractals. The nanoparticles and microcavity exhibit enhanced linear and non-linear optical emission. The light emitting apparatus can be used for wavelength translation, amplification, optical parametric oscillation, light detection and ranging, increased sensitivity, high density optical data storage, and near-field optical spectroscopy.