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Plasmonic wavelength-dependent optical switch
Optics Express
|May 9, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a novel optical switch using plasmonic interference in whispering gallery mode (WGM) antennas. This device switches light fields by tuning the excitation wavelength, enabling new photonic applications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Nanotechnology
- Plasmonics
- Optical Switching
Background:
- Whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators offer unique light confinement properties.
- Plasmonic antennas enable manipulation of light at the nanoscale.
- Developing efficient optical switches is crucial for advanced photonic circuits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and demonstrate a novel optical switch.
- To utilize the interference of plasmonic modes in WGM antennas for switching.
- To achieve wavelength-tunable switching of plasmonic near fields.
Main Methods:
- Design of WGM antennas with engineered symmetry.
- Non-normal illumination for simultaneous excitation of even and odd WGM modes.
- Experimental demonstration using photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) and a tunable femtosecond laser.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated wavelength-tunable switching of plasmonic near fields.
- Achieved switching over a 60 nm wavelength range centered around 790 nm.
- Confirmed the mechanism by observing near-field localization on opposite sides of the antenna.
Conclusions:
- The proposed WGM antenna design enables efficient optical switching.
- Interference of plasmonic modes provides a viable mechanism for nanoscale light control.
- This work opens avenues for miniaturized and tunable photonic devices.
