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Fundamental Interactions

The theoretical Chemical Physics program at Ames Laboratory supports integrated efforts in electronic structure theory and non-equilibrium statistical mechanical & multiscale modeling. The primary focus is on the development and application of methods that enable the study of surface phenomena, heterogeneous catalysis, cluster science and nucleation theory, and mechanisms in organometallic chemistry.

Catalysis Review practice talks

Date: 
03/09/2013 - 9:00am - 5:00pm

Catalysis Review practice talks

Date: 
02/26/2013 - 9:00am - 12:00pm
Description: 
Subtask 2 practice talks

Catalysis Review practice talks

Date: 
02/25/2013 - 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Description: 
Subtask 1 Practice talks

Form Department(s):

Director's Office

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Effective date: Jan. 2013

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Document number: Form 10100.001

Guide Department(s):

ESHA

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Document Number: Guide 10200.010

Engineering a Light Touch

Highlight Date: 
02/01/2013
Display Section: 
Broad Audience Highlights
Article Title: 
Enhancing Optical Gradient Forces with Metamaterials
Author(s): 
V. Ginis, P. Tassin, C. M. Soukoulis and I. Veretennicoff
Article Link: 
http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.110.057401
Journal Name: 
Physical Review Letters
Volume: 
110
Year: 
2013
Page Number(s): 
057401
Highlight Image: 
image/jpeg iconAMES_2013_PhysRevLett_110_057401_Figure_Web.jpg
Project Affiliation: 
Metamaterials
Highlight Text: 

Researchers have found a way to enhance the force of light on matter. Most of the time the momentum of light and the associated forces are too small to notice, but at the nanoscale the effect can be quite large, and researchers have used these forces to dynamically manipulate optical waveguides at the nanoscale. Optical forces decay significantly, however, as the distance between the waveguides increases and become too small for all-optical device actuation at larger separations. The new method amplifies the optical forces and thus extends them to larger separations between the waveguides by using a novel way to alter the perceived distance between them. This is done with thin layers of engineered structures known as metamaterials, which can manipulate light in ways not seen in conventional materials, extending its influence to greater distances from the surfaces of the waveguide. This work paves the way for the production of optical forces with unprecedented amplitude and eventually the design of mechanical devices activated entirely by light.

ImageA retirement reception will be held for Ames Laboratory senior scientist Rohit Trivedi from 3:30-5:00 p.m., Feb. 18 in the Campanile Room of the Memorial Union. Trivedi, who is also an ISU Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Materials Science & Engineering, has served the Lab and University for 47 years.