Design considerations of selective polariton generators for multi-state plasmonic devices

Abstract

Excitation and localization of surface plasmon polariton modes in metal-dielectric structures can be utilized to construct unique nanophotonic materials and devices with tuneable optical transmission. We present selective polariton generator (SPG) designs that demonstrate selective light transmission based on surface plasmon antennae principles. These polarisation-sensitive structures can selectively generate and transport polaritons of a desired wavelength through subwavelength apertures. By specifying geometry and orientation we can control the operational characteristics of these elements. By varying SPG designs around a central nanohole we are able to achieve operation of nanophotonic devices where optical transmission peak wavelengths are controlled via the polarisation state of the incident photons. The design considerations of grating periods, corrugation fan angles, transmission due to inner ring variations, and spectral separation of paired SPGs were investigated along with the potential of flanking the structures with Bragg reflector corrugations. The simulations were compared with the experimental results for agreement of the models, which could lead to experimental investigations of more complex structure.