Light sources for photonanotechnology

Abstract Light constitutes a critical design factor involved in the application and development of nanotechnology. It serves as an active stimulus with tunable energy that enables it to induce chemical, physical, or biological activities in certain classes of nanometer-sized particles (NPs). Such NPs, which are generically referred to as photoactive nanomaterials, have made significant contributions to creating novel applications and developing technology in a broad range of fields including energy, catalysis, sensors, therapeutics, and biomedical imaging. Selection of the right light sources thus plays an important role in understanding the design principles and optimizing the functions associated with such photoactive NPs. This article presents light sources in the context of practical applications in photonanotechnology. It focuses on light properties pertaining to absorption, scattering, and penetration as well as therapeutic applications in light-controlled drug delivery systems, photodynamic therapy, and photothermal therapy