Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

Spectral and Angle-Resolved Magneto-Optical Characterization of Photonic Nanostructures
Published on: November 21, 2019
The electromagnetics of light transmission through subwavelength slits in metallic films
1Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 6203, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA. johweiner@gmail.com
Abstract:
By numerically calculating the relevant electromagnetic fields and charge current densities, we show how local charges and currents near subwavelength structures govern light transmission through subwavelength apertures in a real metal film. The illumination of a single aperture generates surface waves; and in the case of slits, generates them with high efficiency and with a phase close to -π with respect to a reference standing wave established at the metal film front facet. This phase shift is due to the direction of induced charge currents running within the slit walls. The surface waves on the entrance facet interfere with the standing wave. This interference controls the profile of the transmission through slit pairs as a function of their separation. We compare the calculated transmission profile for a two-slit array to simple interference models and measurements [Phys. Rev. B 77(11), 115411 (2008)].
Related Concept Videos
Interference and Diffraction
Electromagnetic Waves in Matter
Consider the electromagnetic wave passing through a dielectric medium. In such a case, Maxwell's equations get modified. In Ampere's law, ε0 , the dielectric permittivity of free space is replaced with ε, the permittivity of dielectric. Also, the vacuum permeability μ0 is replaced by the permeability of the medium, μ.
Furthermore, the...
Photoelectric Effect
The de Broglie Wavelength
The Wave Nature of Light
Transmission Electron Microscopy

