Abstract:

Nanophotonics is an exciting area that deals with the generation, guidance, manipulation and confinement of light in the order of nanometers. In this field, some concepts are difficult for students to visualize. While experiments help them to have a deeper understanding of basic concepts and thus paving the way of learning, sometimes it is not possible to provide some low-cost experimental setups in start-up laboratories. In this case simulation software can be used as a complementary platform for training experiences. COMSOL Multiphysics represents a particularly attractive alternative for the modeling and simulation of many physics-based systems. Here we present an efficient strategy for the management of this finite element solver for the analysis of fundamental electromagnetic problems. Amongst other examples, we investigate scattering of subwavelength conductive nanoparticles and compare magnitudes such as the extinction and absorption cross section to the analytical solutions provided by the Mie theory. In this way we introduce the concept of localized surface plasmons. Finally, we numerically compute the resonance frequencies of metallic nanoparticles in different shapes and sizes. We also reveal the main aspects of our experience in using COMSOL Multiphysics within the master’s degree programme in advanced physics from the University of Valencia.

Keywords:

Open laboratory, numerical simulations, nanotechnology.