Enhanced mid-infrared transmission through nanoscale metallic coaxial-aperture arrays

Using a single interferometric lithography patterning step along with self-aligned pattern-definition techniques, uniform, large-area metallic coaxial arrays with ~ 100-nm toroidal gaps are fabricated. Enhanced (5x) mid-infrared (4 mum) transmission through these sub-wavelength coaxial arrays is observed as compared with that through the same fractional opening area hole arrays as a result of the complex coaxial unit cell. Varying the coaxial dimensions shifts the resonance wavelength and impacts the maximum transmission; design rules are derived. The ability to control the transmission wavelength combined with dramatically enhanced transmission represent a promising path toward nanophotonic applications.