Nanoscale Petahertz-Electronics for Field-Resolved Spectroscopy

Optical-field-driven sub-cycle currents in solid state systems have been used to sense changes in the carrier envelope phase of few-cycle light [1], [2], to sample optical waveforms with sub-cycle resolution [3], [4], and to enable attosecond optical switching [5]. These demonstrations among others have marked the emergence of peta-hertz electronics [6]. As we look toward the future development of petahertz electronics, it is apparent that to enable widespread adoption and application will require further reduction of their size, reduced optical energy requirements, and integration with chip-scale photonic and electronic systems. To this end, petahertz electronics based on optical-field-driven tunneling from electrically-connected nanoantennas are highly attractive. Their ability to support broadband field enhancements reduce energy requirements by orders of magnitude while maintaining ultrafast operation in the few-cycle regime. Furthermore, their optical and electronic response can be precisely controlled through device geometry and layout.