5. Conclusions

In this article, we have reviewed the different nanosources based on metallic nanostructures, as well as the main physical effects associated with them. In particular, the different ways of controlling and generating these nanosources using various hybrid approaches have been presented. Finally, the main applications and prospects of these nanosources were presented, with several examples highlighting their full potential.

From an applications point of view, there are as yet few uses for these nanosources. The most advanced and promising avenues of development are medical (curative treatment of cancer by photothermalization), biological (brilliant and stable marker) and certainly in the photovoltaic field. More speculatively, optronics, which will replace electronics, will require integrated nanometric sources.

Figure