Picocavities: a Primer

ABSTRACT: Picocavities are sub-nanometer-scale optical cavities recently found to trap light, which are formed by single-atom defects on metallic facets. Here, we develop simple picocavity models and discuss what is known and unknown about this new domain of atomscale optics, as well as the challenges for developing comprehensive theories. We provide simple analytic expressions for many of their key properties and discuss a range of applications from molecular electronics to photocatalysis where picocavities are important.

Automated summary

This article introduces the discovery and significance of sub-nanometer-scale optical cavities. We develop simple models for these picocavities and discuss what is known and unknown in this field, as well as the challenges faced in developing comprehensive theories. We also provide simple analytic expressions for key properties and discuss the importance of picocavities in various applications.