Ariel Guerreiro

Abstract
This article presents a review of the numerical techniques employed in simulating plasmonic optical sensors based on metal-dielectric nanostructures, including examples, ranging from conventional D-type fiber sensors, to those based on photonic crystal D-type fibers and incorporating metamaterials, nanowires, among other new materials and components, results and applications. We start from the fundamental physical processes, such as optical and plasmonic mode coupling, and discuss the implementation of the numerical model, optical response customization and their impact in sensor performance. Finally, we examine future perspectives.

Abstract
We consider broadband radiation interacting with a gas of self-gravitating dust grains. We show that photon-bubble formation can occur, due to a modified Jeans instability, which will imply the formation of two different kinds of dust density perturbations. This could be useful for understanding the B-mode signal observed in the CMB polarization survey, and other astrophysical processes, such as the formation of protoplanets and voids in dust clouds.

Abstract

Abstract
We consider broadband radiation interacting with a gas of self-gravitating dust grains. We show that photon-bubble formation can occur, due to a modified Jeans instability, which will imply the formation of two different kinds of dust density perturbations. This could be useful for understanding the B-mode signal observed in the CMB polarization survey, and other astrophysical processes, such as the formation of protoplanets and voids in dust clouds.

Abstract
Optical analog experiments have captured a lot of interest in recent years by offering a strategy to test theoretical models and concepts that would be otherwise untestable. The approach relies on the similarity between the mathematical model for light propagation in nonlinear optical media and the model to be mimicked. In particular, the analogy between light and a quantum fluid with superfluidlike properties has been studied extensively. Still, while most of these studies use thermo-optical media to perform these experiments, the possibility of using nematic liquid crystals to perform such optical analog experiments remains to be analyzed. This work explores how this medium can constitute an alternative to materials more commonly used in optical analogs, such as thermo-optical media, and how its tunable properties can be advantageous to explore and better control fluidlike properties of light. Moreover, we explore the analogy between the propagation of light and a quantum fluid, and propose a pump-probe experiment to measure the dispersion relation of the superfluid analog. © 2018 American Physical Society.