This book highlights the theoretical foundations of and experimental techniques in photothermal
heating and applications involving nanoscale heat generation using gold nanostructures embedded
in various media. The experimental techniques presented involve a combination of
nanothermometers doped with rare-earth atoms plasmonic heaters and near-field microscopy. The
theoretical foundations are based on the Maxwell's and heat diffusion equations. In particular
the working principle and application of AlGaN:Er3+ film Er2O3 nanoparticles and
beta-NaYF4:Yb3+ Er3+ nanocrystals for nanothermometry based on Er3+ emission are discussed. The
relationship between superheated liquid and bubble formation for optically excited
nanostructures and the effects of the surrounding medium and solution properties on light
absorption and scattering are presented. The application of Er2O3 and beta-NaYF4:Yb3+ Er3+
nanocrystals to study the temperature of optically heated gold nanoparticles is also presented.
In closing the book presents a new thermal imaging technique combining near-field microscopy
and Er3+ photoluminescence spectroscopy to monitor the photothermal heating and steady-state
sub-diffraction local temperature of optically excited gold nanostructures.
