In Situ Dynamic Spatial Reconfiguration of Nanoplasmonics Using Photothermal‐Shock Tweezers

Abstract Dynamic reconfiguration is crucial for nanoplasmonic structures to achieve diversified functions and optimize performances; however, the dynamic reconfiguration of spatial arrangements remains a formidable technological challenge. Here, in situ dynamic spatial reconfiguration of plasmonic nanowire devices and circuits on dry solid substrates is demonstrated, by harnessing a photothermal‐shock tweezers platform. Owing to its versatility, nanoscale precision, real‐time operation, and large external output force, the multimodal platform enables dexterous fine‐tuning of positions, overlap lengths, and coupling distances and orientations of discrete components in situ. Spatial position‐dependent optical properties that are reported before or are challenging to achieve through traditional micro/nanomanipulation are easily tuned and observed, such as the intensity evolution of axial photon‐plasmon coupling from near field to far field, and the resonant mode evolution of photonic cavity‐plasmonic cavity coupling from weak to strong. The nanorobotic probe‐based operation mode is also employed to optimize the side‐mode suppression ratios of single‐mode lasers and the intensity splitting ratios of 3‐dB couplers. The results are general and applicable to materials of almost any size, structure, and material type, as well as other narrow or curved micro/nano‐waveguide surfaces, which opens new avenues for reconfigurable nanoplasmonic structures with dynamically tunable spatial features.