Microscale heat control

Losses in metals have long been considered as a major issue in science and technology, and over the years, disciplines like photonics and electronics have put extensive efforts to reduce their impact on device performances. Here, we embrace a new paradigm, where heat generation in metals becomes an enabling tool, relevant to a wide range of applications rather than a limitation. In this context, we have developed an extensive toolbox to engineer heat generation at the nano- and micro-scale, either optically (Thermoplasmonics) or electrically. We also have the means to accurately probe and image with light, the resulting local temperature landscape.

This unique control over local heat generation opens a wealth of new scientific and technological opportunities. In particular, we are exploring applications in biomedicine and reconfigurable planar optics.