Two-dimensional Materials in Nanophotonics: Developments, Devices, and Applications

Approaching the nano domain and searching for quantum phenomena
has always been a emerging topic in science since the discovery of
the atom, the fabrication of graphene, the synthesis of further 2D
materials and the possibility of nanofabrication techniques. As
materials and devices are scaled down into the atomic region, a
plethora of scientific discoveries have been discovered with more
discoveries emerging all the time; such examples include, strong
many body interactions, enhanced light–matter coupling, direct
band-gap semiconductors, superior mechanical properties and
many more. I edited this book intended for a variety of readers from
scientists and engineers working in this field to the undergraduate
student who is starting their endeavour towards nano devices,
2D materials, strong light matter coupling and nanophotonics.
I was always interested in applied physics and the potential for
manipulating new materials for new scientific applications as this
has always been the way technology increases, from the transistor
in the late 1940’s until today where concepts of quantum computing
are now a real possibility. My inspiration in science has always
led me towards this path of research and working in the fields of
2D materials, optics and nano devices, and this book should serve
readers with useful information and insight into the underlying
physics as well as the applications of these materials and devices
in the future. It is my sincere hope that the work in this book can
help scientists in their research endeavours in addition to inspiring
young students and researchers in always pursuing high quality
impact research for practical applications. I have always known that
inspiration and motivation are key for driving new science and the
persistence to continue even after many experimental failures. I will
always encourage young scientists to purse what they are passionate
about and to never give up on their dreams.
This book starts with the background physics needed to
understand 2D nanophotonic devices before it digs deeper into the
realm of lenses and gratings, optical pulses and the integration of
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these systems into more complex devices. This book came about from
my own thoughts and passions towards 2D nanophotonic research
and my aim is that this book will direct and inspire future work in
this field and attract many new researchers towards aiming for 2D
nanophotonic devices. I believe this book will serve as an exemplary
reference for the potential of 2D nanophotonic devices for future
devices and applications ranging from biomedical measurements,
optoelectronic devices and many more. While this book starts with
fundamental physics pertaining to nanophotonics, it ends with the
ability of nano plasmonic structures and their manipulation and
on chip devices which will be essential for future devices involving
nanophotonic applications. I particularly wanted to arrange this
book in a simple but effective manner to guide individuals into the
realm of 2D materials and 2D nanophotonic devices. In preparing
this manuscript, I thought about the structure for a long time to give
it the most effective way to communicate the technical work, relate
theory and experiments, inspire and motivate individuals. I believe
the structure and the chapters written in this book are detailed for
explaining each topic and highly commend the authors of all sections
in this book for their detailed expertise, time and commitment.
I have been doing research in these fields since my undergraduate
degree, doctorate and have steadily pursued in this field since that
time. My passion for nanotechnology has grown over the years
as technology has consistently upgraded and more avenues and
possibilities emerge daily. Nanophotonic device and applications
will play a significant part in the future of technology and will enable
improved solar cell efficiency and nanotechnology applications
for space. This growing field makes always pursue new avenues
of research, fabricating devices and finding new applications as
well as improving efficiency in other technologies. I really had
strong motivation towards nanophotonic devices due to their high
applicability in solar cells which is something the world is looking
for steadily. I hope this book will also inspire many students and
other scientists in exploring new devices and applications to allow
the field to grow and bring about many new applications. It is also my
hope that this book may be used a classroom reference in addition in
the future as nanotechnology, 2D materials and photonics is rapidly
increasing around the world. Moreover, it is my intention that this
book can be available in labs around the world so that all may benefit
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from it as I believe science is a strong motivator for the individual
and for society.
During preparation of this book, I would like to thank my family,
friends and students for their support and welcomed feedback.
I would particularly like to thank the author of the chapters for
the high quality research and technical expertise in addition to
their outstanding professionalism. Moreover, I highly thank the
publishing group for their tireless efforts in helping to arrange the
book, copyediting and their feedback and advice. Without the help
of all these possible the quality and presentation in this book isn’t
possible, so you have my sincerest thanks. Whilst many hours went
into conceiving this book, writing it and preparing it, there were
many difficulties to overcome, however, thanks to my family for their
outstanding support in being patient with me and always giving me
welcomed support. I am also grateful to all of my own supervisors
throughout university for developing me into the scientist I am
today, without their teaching this work would also not be possible.
I am also highly grateful to my colleagues at the Australian National
University for their feedback and always having me as a great friend.
To my collaborators around the world, your commitment to science
and high quality work has always been outstanding and it has been
my greatest pleasure to be working with so many distinguished
researchers. Everyone will always be my friend and I am sure we
will continue to work for many years to come. Without the help of
all these people, this book is not possible and they always have my
sincerest gratitude. To the readers of this book, I will always say that
science is about exploring the unknown and generating ideas is key
so never give up and always pursue your goals and dreams.