ABSTRACT
We report the realization of a two-dimensional optical microscope for surface plasmons polaritons (SPPs) based on parabolic Bragg mirrors. These mirrors are built from lithographically fabricated gold nanostructures on gold thin films. We show by direct imaging by leakage radiation microscopy that the magnification power of the SPP microscope follows basic predictions of geometrical optics. Spatial resolution down to the value set by the diffraction limit is demonstrated.
ABSTRACT
We report the realization of two-dimensional optical wavelength demultiplexers and multiports for surface plasmons polaritons (SPPs) based on plasmonic crystals, i.e., photonic crystals for SPPs. These SPP elements are built up of lithographically fabricated gold nanostructures on gold thin films. We show by direct imaging of laterally confined SPP beams in the visible spectral range by leakage radiation microscopy that SPPs of different wavelengths are efficiently rerouted into different directions. In addition we demonstrate the generation of three output SPP beams from one input beam.
Subject(s)
Crystallization/methods , Models, Theoretical , Nanostructures/chemistry , Nanostructures/ultrastructure , Nanotechnology/instrumentation , Refractometry/instrumentation , Surface Plasmon Resonance/instrumentation , Computer Simulation , Computer-Aided Design , Equipment Design , Equipment Failure Analysis , Materials Testing , Nanotechnology/methods , Particle Size , Refractometry/methods , Surface Plasmon Resonance/methodsABSTRACT
We report on chemically prepared silver nanowires (diameters around 100 nm) sustaining surface plasmon modes with wavelengths shortened to about half the value of the exciting light. As we find by scattered light spectroscopy and near-field optical microscopy, the nonradiating character of these modes together with minimized damping due to the well developed wire crystal structure gives rise to large values of surface plasmon propagation length and nanowire end face reflectivity of about 10 microm and 25%, respectively. We demonstrate that these properties allow us to apply the nanowires as efficient surface plasmon Fabry-Perot resonators.
Subject(s)
Nanostructures/chemistry , Nanotechnology/instrumentation , Silver/chemistry , Surface Plasmon Resonance/instrumentation , Transducers , Equipment Design , Equipment Failure Analysis , Light , Nanostructures/ultrastructure , Nanotechnology/methods , Particle Size , Scattering, Radiation , Surface Plasmon Resonance/methodsABSTRACT
The present insight into plasmon effects on the nanoscale seems sufficiently advanced to allow the development of surface-plasmon-polariton- (SPP-) based optical devices. Therefore quantitative information describing SPP phenomena is required. We investigate a SPP beam splitter constituted by silver nanoparticles on a silver thin film, fabricated by electron-beam lithography. We acquire quantitative information on the beam splitter performance by monitoring SPP leakage radiation, yielding SPP reflection, transmission, and scattering efficiencies.
Subject(s)
Algorithms , Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/methods , Nanotubes/analysis , Nanotubes/chemistry , Silver/analysis , Silver/chemistry , Surface Plasmon Resonance/methodsABSTRACT
Basic optical elements for surface plasmons are fabricated and their functionality (focusing, refraction, and total internal reflection) is demonstrated experimentally. The optical elements consist of dielectric structures of defined geometry on top of a gold film. The working principle of these structures is discussed on the basis of calculated surface plasmon dispersion relations.
