Colloquium: Structure Matters – Structured Light and Matter for Research, Applications, and for Fun
Every single piece of matter in our world and in the universe is assembled from individual building-blocks, i.e., particles, atoms, molecules, etc. Not only shape and size, but also mechanical, electrical, optical, and other properties depend on both the building-blocks themselves and their relative arrangement. Learning from and utilizing this function-by-structure approach brought to perfection by mother nature, we shape our environment since the dawn of mankind. In modern times, nanostructured materials have proven to exhibit a massive potential in the field of optics and related research areas. The manipulation of optical materials at nanoscale dimensions yields fascinating optical properties. In a similar manner, by applying the concept of structural sculpting, also light fields and beams can be custom-tailored in their properties, hence providing for additional knobs to turn with respect to light-matter interactions. Structured light fields are an exciting playground both from a fundamental and an applied perspective. In this presentation, we will take you on a journey through the wonderful world of structured light and matter. After brief introductions, we will highlight selected applications and phenomena.