Forward/Backward Switching of Plasmonic Wave Propagation Using Sign-Reversal Coupling

Backward waves with wave-front propagation opposite in direction to that of energy flow have attracted considerable interest in the context of photonic metamaterials. However, switching between forward and backward waves in the same frequency range has remained a challenge. Here, on a platform of coupled designer surface plasmon resonators in the microwave regime, multiband forward/backward switching of plasmonic wave propagation is demonstrated. This approach makes use of sign-reversal coupling that occurs when switching the coupling configuration between tightly confined photonic modes. Direct experimental measurements of plasmon dispersion curves confirm the forward/backward propagation of plasmonic waves in the same frequency range. This study provides a solution to forward/backward switching of subwavelength plasmonic wave propagation, and may find potential applications in photonic integrated systems.