The Asia-Pacific Conference on Near-field Optics (APNFO) has provided an opportunity for leading scientists and young researchers in the field of nano-optics to discuss new ideas and approaches in cutting-edge research, and to network with each other. APNFO has been held every two years, following the first meeting in Seoul in 1996, in Beijing, Melbourne, Taroko, Niigata, Yellow Mountain, Jeju, Adelaide, Singapore, and celebrates its 11th in Tainan, Taiwan in 2017.
In these last 20 years, rapid progress in nanoscience and nanotechnology has made nano-optics more attractive and applicable to various research fields, including molecular and solid-state physics, chemistry, and biology. The unique characteristics of light-matter interaction on the nanoscale have provided a tool for microscopic study to pursue basic science interests, including the quantum mechanical nature of light and electrons. It has also brought a discipline to address engineering and manufacturing challenges for making devices smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient, and more importantly, for promoting conceptually new device paradigms.
In the coming phase, we will go even smaller to the atomic scale and deal with more complex and multiscaled systems to cover much broader scientific and engineering fields. At APNFO11, we organize a special session entitled “Exploring the Future of Light on the Nanoscale” to allow participants to share their experiences, problems, and concerns, and to discuss promising future directions. In addition, keynote and invited speakers are also arranged to exhibit the current trends in nano-optics, which will inspire and motivate young researchers and students.