Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Spectral and Angle-Resolved Magneto-Optical Characterization of Photonic Nanostructures
Published on: November 21, 2019
General mechanism involved in subwavelength optics of conducting microstructures: charge-oscillation-induced light
1National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA. xiahuang@aps.anl.gov
Abstract:
Interactions between light and conducting microstructures or nanostructures can result in a variety of novel phenomena, but their underlying mechanisms have not been completely understood. From calculations of surface charge density waves on conducting gratings and by comparing them with classical surface plasmons, we revealed a general yet concrete picture regarding the coupling of light to free electron oscillation on structured conducting surfaces that can lead to oscillating subwavelength charge patterns (i.e., structured surface plasmons). New wavelets emitted from these light sources then destructively interfere to form evanescent waves. This principle, usually combined with other mechanisms, is mainly a geometrical effect that can be universally involved in light scattering from all periodic and non-periodic structures containing free electrons. This picture may provide clear guidelines for developing conductor-based nano-optical devices.
Related Concept Videos
Interference and Diffraction
Standing Waves in a Cavity
The de Broglie Wavelength
Electromagnetic Waves
The Wave Nature of Light
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,...

