SPP waveguide based on the Goos-Hänchen effect.

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Plasmonics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are electromagnetic waves coupled to electron oscillations at a metal-dielectric interface.
• Guiding SPPs with low loss is crucial for miniaturized optical circuits.
• Existing methods often suffer from significant energy dissipation in the metal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a novel single-mode SPP waveguide structure.
• To investigate the Goos-Hänchen shift and its effect on metal loss reduction.
• To showcase the integration of this waveguide into a functional on-chip optical circuit.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a single-mode SPP waveguide using two parallel grooves on a silver film.
• Experimental characterization of SPP propagation and Goos-Hänchen shift within the waveguide.
• Demonstration of SPP plane wave excitation, focusing using a parabolic mirror, and waveguide coupling.

Main Results:

• Achieved a single-mode SPP waveguide with significant Goos-Hänchen shifts (up to 0.77λ).
• Demonstrated reduced metal loss due to the electric field confinement outside the metal.
• Successfully integrated components for an on-chip optical circuit, including excitation, focusing, and coupling.

Conclusions:

• The proposed groove-based SPP waveguide offers an effective solution for low-loss light guiding.
• The demonstrated on-chip circuit highlights the potential for complex plasmonic devices.
• This technology paves the way for advanced integrated photonic and plasmonic systems.