ABSTRACT
We propose a compact nano-metallic structure for enhancing and concentrating far-field transmission: a faced folded nano-rod (FFR) unit, composed of two folded metallic nano-rods placed facing each other in an aperture. By analyzing local charge, field, and current distributions in the FFR unit using three-dimensional finite difference time domain (FDTD) calculation results, we show that although charge and field configurations become somewhat different depending on the polarization states of the illumination, similar current flows are formed in the FFR unit, which entail similar far-field radiation patterns regardless of the polarization states, making the FFR unit a quasi-polarization-insensitive field concentrator. We demonstrate this functionality of the FFR unit experimentally using the holographic microscopy which provides us a three-dimensional map of the complex wavefronts of optical fields emanating from the FFR unit.
Subject(s)
Nanotechnology/methods , Nanotubes/chemistry , Equipment Design , Gold/chemistry , Holography/methods , Light , Materials Testing , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Metals/chemistry , Microscopy/methods , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Optics and Photonics , Photons , Surface Plasmon Resonance , Surface Properties , Time FactorsABSTRACT
The performance of bio-chemical sensing devices has been greatly improved by the development of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based sensors. Advancements in micro- and nano-fabrication technologies have led to a variety of structures in SPR sensing systems being proposed. In this review, SPR sensors (from typical Kretschmann prism configurations to fiber sensor schemes) with micro- or nano-structures for local light field enhancement, extraordinary optical transmission, interference of surface plasmon waves, plasmonic cavities, etc. are discussed. We summarize and compare their performances and present guidelines for the design of SPR sensors.
Subject(s)
Nanostructures/chemistry , Surface Plasmon Resonance/instrumentation , Interferometry , Optical PhenomenaABSTRACT
A metal slit array arranged along a semicircular surface achieving subwavelength optical beam focusing along the lateral direction is proposed. Taking into consideration surface plasmon polaritons that pass through a metal slit array, we design the array with a curvature. By use of a genetic algorithm, the size of the metal slit and the corresponding curvature are to be determined. Based on our metal slit array configuration, the full width at half-maximum can be achieved on a subwavelength scale.
