Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Transmission of Multiple Signals through an Optical Fiber Using Wavefront Shaping
Published on: March 20, 2017
Role of interference between localized and propagating surface waves on the extraordinary optical transmission
Yong-Jun Bao1, Ru-Wen Peng, Da-Jun Shu
1National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures & Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
Abstract:
We report in this Letter that when radiation is incident on a metal surface perforated with an array of ring-shaped subwavelength apertures, the phase difference between the propagating surface Bloch wave and the localized surface wave can be tailored by the geometrical parameters of the array so as to affect the shape of the transmission spectrum. Above the resonant frequency of the aperture, interference between the two kinds of surface waves leads to a minimum in the transmission spectrum, whereas below it, the interference leads to a maximum. We suggest that this feature provides flexibility in engineering surface-wave-based all-optical devices.
Related Concept Videos
Interference and Diffraction
Propagation of Waves
Consider a scenario where a wave propagates from a string of low linear mass density to a string of high linear mass density. In such a case, the reflected wave is out of phase with respect to the incident wave, however the...
Interference and Superposition of Waves
Interference occurs in mechanical waves, such as sound waves, waves on a string, and surface water waves. Mechanical waves correspond to the physical displacement of particles. Hence,...
Interference: Path Lengths
Two special sources may be considered when they are in phase. This can be easily achieved by feeding the two sources from the same source. An example would be synchronizing the two speakers by feeding them with the same source, such as the sound waves produced by a tuning fork. This setup ensures that the two sources have the same frequency and are...
Sound Waves: Interference
Standing Waves in a Cavity

