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Waveguiding in surface plasmon polariton band gap structures.
S I Bozhevolnyi1, J Erland, K Leosson
1Institute of Physics, Aalborg University, Pontoppidanstraede 103, DK-9220 Aalborg Ost, Denmark. sergey@physics.auc.dk
Physical Review Letters
|April 6, 2001
Summary
Researchers demonstrated surface plasmon polariton (SPP) reflection and guiding using nanostructured gold films. This work shows the SPP band gap effect and introduces SPP channel waveguides in surface band gap structures.
Area of Science:
- Plasmonics
- Nanophotonics
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are electromagnetic waves coupled to electron oscillations on metal surfaces.
- Controlling SPP propagation is crucial for nanoscale optical devices.
- Nanostructured surfaces offer unique ways to manipulate SPPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the propagation and scattering of SPPs on nanostructured gold films.
- To demonstrate the surface plasmon polariton band gap effect.
- To show the first examples of SPP channel waveguides in surface band gap structures.
Main Methods:
- Near-field optical microscopy was used to study SPP behavior.
- SPPs were excited at wavelengths of 780-820 nm.
- Nanostructured gold films with specific lattice arrangements and line defects were fabricated.
Main Results:
- SPP reflection was observed at 782 nm on the nanostructured surface.
- SPP guiding along line defects was confirmed at 782 nm.
- Significant deterioration of these effects was noted at 815 nm, indicating a band gap.
Conclusions:
- The study directly demonstrates the surface plasmon polariton band gap effect.
- The findings present the first examples of SPP channel waveguides within surface band gap structures.
- This research paves the way for novel nanoscale optical components and devices.