title: Plasmonics: an emerging field fostered by Nano Letters.
abstract: While studies of surface plasmons on metals have been pursued for decades, the more recent appearance of nanoscience has created a revolution in this field with "Plasmonics" emerging as a major area of research. The direct optical excitation of surface plasmons on metallic nanostructures provides numerous ways to control and manipulate light at nanoscale dimensions. This has stimulated the development of novel optical materials, deeper theoretical insight, innovative new devices, and applications with potential for significant technological and societal impact. Nano Letters has been instrumental in the emergence of plasmonics, providing its readership with rapid advances in this dynamic field.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005-1892, USA. halas@rice.edu
authors.forename: Naomi J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Halas