Organization
The COST Action MP0803 is organized in 5 Working Groups (WG), as illustrated in the following figure:
WG1 - Information technologies
WG1 addresses issues related to the utilization of plasmons for optical signal transmission and processing. These issues include the excitation, propagation losses, modulation and detection of surface plasmons.
WG2 - Biosensors
WG2 concentrates on sensing schemes that rely on plasmons as detection mechanism. Instrumental here are the utilization of thin metallic films, nanoparticles, and the combination of thtwo to enhance sensitivity. Key parameters to be investigated include the reliability, sensitivity and calibration of such plasmon-based devices for label-free sensing.
Both WG1 and 2 investigate together the integration of plasmonic components into devices that include sensing and signal processing functions. The Action considers two main platforms: conventional CMOS and organic materials. The former is certainly the technology of choice for devices that will process optical signals and be integrated with conventional electronics. The latter is emerging as a very promising platform for mass production of disposable biosensors; the capability of integrating organic light emitting devices, detectors and organic electronics, makes it also very suitable to embed signal processing modules.
The Action will be focused on both Information Technologies and Biosensing. As a matter of fact, the underlying fundamental and technological issues to be addressed to develop these two applications are similar. Furthermore, the steps required for integrating plasmonics into devices are also similar for both fields of applications. Finally, scientists in plasmonics very often deal both with applications in Information Technologies and Biosensing.
WG3 - Modelling
Over the last ten years, Modelling has been key to the development of plasmonics. As a matter of fact, the physical effects involved are rather subtle, the structures to be used have nanometric dimensions, and the realization of plasmonic devices is rather time consuming. Hence modelling in this Action helps unveil and understand the physical effects at hand, shows how to implement these effects in practical devices, and determines processing windows where these effects can be used. It is obvious that modelling is relevant for both Information Technologies and Biosensing; hence the WG3 Modelling will be transversal to WG1 and 2.
WG4 - Industrialization
The aim of this COST Action is also to raise awareness from the European industry on the tremendous potentials of plasmonics and foster joint projects between academic and industrial partners. The WG4 for Industrialization is responsible for this task. Three major industry segments are approached: the semiconductor industry, the chemical industry (in particular organic materials), and the life sciences industry (specifically the biosensing and analytics segments). By inviting European industries and presenting specific plasmonic solutions, the Action helps match-making between industrial and academic groups. This will lead to concrete European research projects. Being an open discussion forum, the Action also avoids complex intellectual property issues. WG4 is also active within professional scientific trade fairs.
WG5 - Education
The European plasmonics working force is growing steadily. Unfortunately, there has not yet been a concerted effort to develop education in plasmonics. To bear fruits, such effort must rely on scientists at the forefront of plasmonics research. The Advisory Board on Education undertakes this mission, setups training schools and encourages the development of pedagogical material on plasmonics. It also establishes links with European initiatives on further education in optics and photonics (e.g. joint Masters), which could benefit from teaching activities in plasmonics.