Nonlinear optical generation from multiple layers of metal-dielectric films.

Abstract

Second-harmonic generation due to long-range surface plasmons (LRSP's) from a configuration in which a thin metal film is sandwiched between two dielectric layers (the Sarid configuration) is typically more than two orders of magnitude larger than that from the simple Kretschmann geometry. Extension of the Sarid structure into multiple prism/${\mathrm{SiO}}_{2}$/Ag/${\mathrm{SiO}}_{2}$/Ag/${\mathrm{SiO}}_{2}$ layers allows the LRSP's from adjacent silver films to interfere to yield a sharp resonant dispersion curve. Many features can be demonstrated by varying the thicknesses of dielectric and metal films.