considering Rice invented the field, interesting to hear about the "spaser" and the "nanoplasmatic metal funnel". Thought you guys might find this interesting as well:

Georgia State University creates new research center to advance nanotechnology and biomedicine
Published on December 13, 2013 at 7:05 AM
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2013121...icine.aspx

The Center for Nano-Optics, a research center whose focus on the science of developing tools and instruments as small as 1,000 times thinner than a human hair could lead to major breakthroughs in technology and biomedicine, has been created at Georgia State University.

"Creation of the Center for Nano-Optics is an important next step for the university," said James Weyhenmeyer, vice president of research and economic development. "Under the leadership of Georgia State Physics Professor Mark Stockman, a group of physics faculty will expand the university's nanotechnology focus and continue the development of two university inventions - the spaser and the nanoplasmonic metal funnel."

The spaser is a laser that is 1,000 times smaller than the smallest laser and also 1,000 times thinner than a human hair. Success in incorporating spaser technology into transistors, something that cannot be done now, may lead to computer processors that operate 100 to 1,000 times faster than today's processors. The spasers may also help biomedical researchers identify and track single cancer cells in the bloodstream.

The second invention is the plasmonic metal funnel designed with a very thin needle at the end. This technology allows energy to be delivered to very small spaces. The funnel is already widely used in microscopes to give researchers the ability to see on the nanoscale.

"The center will unite a group of talented physics faculty that has been developing within the department for close to a decade," Stockman said. "This [center] designation will allow us to unite our efforts and significant resources, providing a common vision and general plan for the continued development of our inventions."