Mathematics Colloquium: Plasmonics on two-dimensional materials: Dispersion and homogenization

Speaker: Dionisios Margetis, Department of Mathematics and Institute for Physical Science & Technology, University of Maryland, College Park

Title: Plasmonics on two-dimensional materials: Dispersion and homogenization

Abstract: The advent of two-dimensional materials such as graphene, black phosphorus and transition metal dichalcogenides with a wide range of optical and electronic properties offers the promise of excellent efficiency in light-matter interaction at the nanoscale. These systems may allow for the propagation of fine-scale electromagnetic waves, called surface plasmon-polaritons (SPPs), which defy the typical diffraction limit.

In this talk, I will discuss recent theoretical progress in understanding how the material geometry, e.g., the presence of edges as well as the formation of layered structures in the presence of material anisotropy, may affect the SPP dispersion. To this end, I will formulate and analyze physically inspired boundary value problems for the time-harmonic Maxwell equations. If time permits, I will discuss extensions of the theory coming from coupling electromagnetism with hydrodynamic equations for the 2D electron system.

Time: Friday, February 7, 2020, 3:30-4:20 p.m.

Place: Exploratory Hall, room 4106

Refreshments will be served at 3:00 p.m.