Coupling mediated by photorefractive phase grating between visible radiation and surface plasmon polaritons in iron-doped LiNbO3 crystal slabs coated with indium–tin oxide

Abstract

Photorefractive (PR) phase gratings were used in coupling energy between visible light and surface plasmon polaritons in indium–tin oxide (ITO)-coated iron-doped lithium niobate (Fe:LN) crystal slabs via electrostatic modification at the ITO/LN interface based on a strong photovoltaic effect. The energy coupling is considered to be responsible for several interesting observations: (1) dynamic reflectivity change from 3.25 to 37.0% of the very first reflection at the entrance slab interface, (2) total light reflectivity as high as 89%, and (3) two-dimensional diffraction patterns without external feedback needed.