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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
07:39
Determination of the Excitation and Coupling Rates Between Light Emitters and Surface Plasmon Polaritons
Published on: July 21, 2018
Standing wave surface plasmon mediated forward and backward scattering
Optics Express
|June 18, 2009
Summary
Two superimposed gratings enable light coupling to surface plasmon modes, creating standing waves. This method controls light coupling and enhances forward and back-scattered signals.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are electromagnetic waves confined to a metal-dielectric interface.
- Coupling light to SPPs is crucial for various nanophotonic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a novel method for exciting and controlling surface plasmon standing waves using superimposed gratings.
- To analyze the effect of this structure on light transmission, reflection, and scattering.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing two superimposed gratings to couple incident light to surface plasmon modes at a metal-air interface.
- Generating counter-propagating plasmon waves to form a surface plasmon standing wave.
- Selecting grating spacing to tune the wavelength and angle of incidence for surface plasmon excitation.
- Out-coupling the standing wave using the same gratings.
Main Results:
- Successfully created a surface plasmon standing wave by coupling light via superimposed gratings.
- Demonstrated that grating spacing controls the wavelength and angle of incidence for SPP generation.
- Observed significant enhancement in forward- and back-scattered light.
- Noted alterations in transmission and reflection signals due to the plasmonic structure.
Conclusions:
- Superimposed gratings provide an effective means to excite and control surface plasmon standing waves.
- The grating-based approach offers tunability for SPP generation and manipulation.
- The structure enhances light scattering, opening possibilities for novel optical devices and sensors.
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