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Published on: September 27, 2011
Controlling plasmonic hot spots by interfering Airy beams.
Angela E Klein1, Alexander Minovich, Michael Steinert
1Institute of Applied Physics, Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany. angela.klein@uni-jena.de
Optics Letters
|February 6, 2013
Summary
Researchers created a controllable plasmonic hot spot on metal films using interfering Airy surface plasmons. This technique allows for precise control over hot spot location, enabling advanced surface plasmon sensing and optical tweezers applications.
Area of Science:
- Plasmonics
- Optics
- Surface Science
Background:
- Surface plasmons are collective oscillations of electrons at a metal-dielectric interface.
- Airy surface plasmons exhibit unique self-healing and non-diffracting properties.
- Controlling plasmonic fields is crucial for nanoscale applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To predict and demonstrate the generation of a controllable plasmonic hot spot.
- To investigate the interference of two Airy surface plasmons for hot spot formation.
- To explore applications in surface plasmon sensing and optical tweezers.
Main Methods:
- Numerical prediction of plasmonic hot spot generation.
- Experimental demonstration using metal films and gratings.
- Analysis of hot spot position control via grating distance and excitation phase.
Main Results:
- Successful generation and observation of a plasmonic hot spot.
- Demonstrated control over hot spot position by adjusting grating separation.
- Showcased tunability of hot spot location through manipulation of excitation phase fronts.
Conclusions:
- The interference of two Airy surface plasmons can create a controllable plasmonic hot spot.
- This effect is analogous to Airy beam autofocusing in a planar geometry.
- Offers potential for advanced spatially resolved surface plasmon sensing and optical surface tweezers.
