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Determination of the Excitation and Coupling Rates Between Light Emitters and Surface Plasmon Polaritons
Published on: July 21, 2018
Efficient sub-wavelength light confinement using surface plasmon polaritons in tapered fibers
Fabrizio Renna1, David Cox, Gilberto Brambilla
1Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
Optics Express
|April 29, 2009
Summary
Researchers demonstrate sub-wavelength light confinement using tapered optical fibers. This method combines guided light with surface plasmon polaritons for efficient transmission at the fiber tip.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Nanotechnology
- Optical Engineering
Background:
- Sub-wavelength light confinement is crucial for advanced optical applications.
- Tapered optical fibers offer potential for manipulating light at the nanoscale.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and realize light confinement to sub-wavelength spot sizes.
- To achieve high transmission efficiencies in tapered optical fibers.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing tapered optical fibers for light propagation.
- Exciting surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) at the fiber tip.
- Combining guided light with SPPs for enhanced transmission.
Main Results:
- Successful confinement of light to sub-wavelength spot sizes.
- Demonstration of high transmission efficiencies.
- Integration of tapered fiber optics and SPP excitation.
Conclusions:
- Tapered optical fibers are effective for sub-wavelength light confinement.
- The combined approach enhances light transmission efficiency.
- This technique opens possibilities for nanoscale optical devices.

