Fabrication of aluminium nanostructures for plasmonics

Metallic nanostructures are the building blocks for nanoplasmonics and for subsequent applications in nanooptics. For several decades, plasmonics have been almost exclusively studied in the visible region by using nanostructures made of noble metals exhibiting plasmonic properties in the near infrared to visible range. This notwithstanding, emerging applications will require the extension of nanoplasmonics toward higher energies, particularly in the UV range. Therefore, alternative metals, often described as poor metals are emerging to achieve that goal. Among all these metals, aluminium appears to be one of the most appealing for extending plasmonics towards ultraviolet energies. Aluminium is cheap, widely available, compatible with optoelectronic devices and exhibits plasmonic properties over a wide range of energies, from the infrared to the deep UV. Our aim is to present a review of current research centred on the fabrication of aluminium nanostructures. Mastering the geometry of aluminium nanostructures is extremely important in order to tune their plasmonic properties and target a given application. First we give an introduction to the nanofabrication of aluminium nanostructures within the context of plasmonics. The review then focuses on the possible geometries that such structures may take when fabricated with specific fabrication techniques. Each technique is detailed and the plasmonic properties of the aluminium nanostructures are briefly described. When possible, an example of an application is given. Finally, the future applications of aluminium plasmonics are highlighted and a conclusion with perspectives is given.