Plasmonic nanoantennas: Fundamentals and their use in controlling the radiative properties of nanoemitters

Fundamental concepts, recent advances, and applications concerning the interaction of nanoantennas with light and emitters, such as fluorescent molecules and quantum dots, are examined. Research has shown that nanoantennas designed to interact strongly with radiation in the optical regime can be used to manipulate light on the nanoscale through the excitation of plasmonic modes. Nanoantennas can modify the emission properties of quantum dots or fluorescent molecules placed in their vicinity. They can also act as plasmonic cavities, which enable the control and enhancement of the radiative properties of light emitters. The remarkable electric field enhancement and confinement that nanoantennas provide have relevant fundamental and technological implications in areas such as surface-enhanced fluorescence, surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy, plasmonic solar cells, and nanomedicine.