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Updated: May 13, 2026
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Determination of the Excitation and Coupling Rates Between Light Emitters and Surface Plasmon Polaritons
Published on: July 21, 2018
Tunable directive radiation of surface-plasmon diffraction gratings
Youngkyu Lee1, Kazunori Hoshino, Andrea Alù
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 1 University Station, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
Optics Express
|March 14, 2013
Summary
We demonstrate tunable radiation using plasmonic nanoscatterers to convert surface plasmon polaritons into directive leaky modes. This allows for real-time dynamic beam sweeping for directional beaming applications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Plasmonics
- Metamaterials and Nanophotonics
Background:
- Leaky-wave radiation from periodic gratings enables directional beaming.
- Previous work focused on efficient directional beaming using subwavelength slits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally demonstrate tunable radiation from periodic arrays of plasmonic nanoscatterers.
- To achieve dynamic beam sweeping in real-time by tuning leaky-wave mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing periodic arrays of plasmonic nanoscatterers to convert surface plasmon polaritons into directive leaky modes.
- Employing wavelength- and index-mediated tuning mechanisms to modify the relative phase of scattered light.
- Driving gratings with a subwavelength slit for leaky-wave radiation.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of tunable radiation from plasmonic nanoscatterer arrays.
- Experimental evidence of dynamic beam sweeping through real-time tuning.
- Successful modification of radiation angle via phase control.
Conclusions:
- Plasmonic nanoscatterer arrays offer a viable platform for tunable directional radiation.
- Real-time beam sweeping is achievable using wavelength- or index-mediated tuning.
- This technology has potential applications in beam steering and optical manipulation.
