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Measurement of Scattering Nonlinearities from a Single Plasmonic Nanoparticle
Published on: January 3, 2016
Nanostructure-mediated launching and detection of 2D surface plasmons
Jared K Day1, Oara Neumann, Nathaniel K Grady
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, MS-366, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, USA.
ACS Nano
|November 25, 2010
Summary
Gold nanoparticles and nanosteps act as nanoantennas, launching surface plasmons for enhanced light-matter interactions. These structures enable precise control over surface plasmon waves, advancing optical technologies.
Area of Science:
- Plasmonics
- Nanophotonics
- Surface Science
Background:
- Gold nanoparticles on metallic films function as nanoantennas.
- These nanoantennas facilitate coupling between free-space radiation and 2D surface plasmons.
- Nanosteps, defined by sub-10-nm gaps in metallic films, can also launch and detect surface plasmons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To locally launch propagating surface plasmon waves using nanoparticle and nanostep structures.
- To investigate and characterize the properties of these launched surface plasmons.
- To explore methods for controlling surface plasmon propagation directionality.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing gold nanoparticles as nanoantenna receivers and transmitters.
- Employing nanosteps (sub-10-nm gaps between metallic films) to launch surface plasmons.
- Probing the properties of surface plasmon waves generated by these structures.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticle-launched surface plasmons exhibit two lobes with approximately 90-degree angular width.
- Surface plasmons propagate along the direction of incident polarization.
- Unidirectional surface plasmon launching is achievable through asymmetric illumination of nanoparticle receivers.
Conclusions:
- Both gold nanoparticles and nanosteps are effective in launching surface plasmons.
- The angular distribution and propagation direction of surface plasmons can be controlled.
- These findings offer new possibilities for manipulating light at the nanoscale.
