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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
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Determination of the Excitation and Coupling Rates Between Light Emitters and Surface Plasmon Polaritons
Published on: July 21, 2018
A semiconductor laser device for the generation of surface-plasmons upon electrical injection
A Bousseksou1, R Colombelli, A Babuty
1Institut d'Electronique Fondamentale, Université Paris-Sud and CNRS, UMR8622, 91405 Orsay, France.
Optics Express
|May 26, 2009
Summary
Researchers demonstrate a novel semiconductor device that electrically generates surface plasmons (SPs), overcoming direct light coupling challenges. This breakthrough enables easier SP manipulation and functionalization of metallic surfaces for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Electrical Engineering
Background:
- Surface plasmons (SPs) are light-electron oscillations at metal surfaces.
- Directly coupling light to SPs is difficult, limiting their application.
- Existing methods for SP generation are often complex or inefficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a compact semiconductor device for electrical generation of surface plasmons.
- To enable easier manipulation and functionalization of metallic surfaces via SPs.
- To provide a new platform for plasmonic device development.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a compact semiconductor electrical device.
- Electrical injection of current to excite surface plasmons.
- Apertureless near-field scanning optical microscopy (aNSOM) for detection.
Main Results:
- Successful electrical generation of surface plasmons confirmed.
- Detection of an intense, evanescent electric field above the device's metallic surface.
- Demonstration of a viable method for on-demand SP generation.
Conclusions:
- The developed semiconductor device effectively generates surface plasmons electrically.
- This technology simplifies SP manipulation and surface functionalization.
- The device offers a promising pathway for integrated plasmonic devices.
