Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

09:00
Evaluating Plasmonic Transport in Current-carrying Silver Nanowires
Published on: December 11, 2013
Manipulation of Airy surface plasmon beams
Felix Bleckmann1, Alexander Minovich, Jakob Frohnhaus
1Physikalisches Institut, Universität Bonn, Bonn 53115, Germany. bleckmann@physik.uni‑bonn.de
Optics Letters
|May 2, 2013
Summary
Scientists manipulated Airy surface plasmon beams using engineered potentials. They demonstrated full reversal of beam bending in plasmonic structures, showcasing advanced optical control.
Area of Science:
- Plasmonics
- Optical beam manipulation
- Metamaterials
Background:
- Airy surface plasmon beams exhibit unique self-healing and non-diffracting properties.
- Controlling the trajectory of light beams is crucial for optical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally demonstrate the manipulation of Airy surface plasmon beams.
- To investigate the effect of engineered linear potentials on beam propagation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of dielectric-loaded plasmonic structures with a graded refractive index.
- Utilizing negative-tone gray-scale electron beam lithography.
- Experimental observation of Airy surface plasmon beam propagation.
Main Results:
- Successfully engineered linear potentials using graded refractive index structures.
- Demonstrated precise control over the bending of Airy surface plasmon beams.
- Achieved full reversal of beam bending by the engineered potential.
Conclusions:
- Engineered potentials offer a powerful method for controlling plasmonic beam dynamics.
- This work paves the way for novel plasmonic devices with tailored optical functionalities.

