  Nanoscale photothermal sources find important applications in theranostics,
imaging, and catalysis. In this context, graphene offers a unique suite of
optical, electrical, and thermal properties, which we exploit to show
self-consistent active photothermal modulation of its nanoscale response. In
particular, we predict the existence of plasmons confined to the optical
landscape tailored by continuous-wave external-light pumping of homogeneous
graphene. This result relies on the high electron temperatures achievable in
optically pumped clean graphene while its lattice remains near ambient
temperature. Our study opens a new avenue toward the active optical control of
the nanophotonic response in graphene with potential application in
photothermal devices.
