Transmission of surface plasmon polaritons through a nanowire array: mechano-optical modulation and motion sensing

Abstract

Using the coupled-mode theory, we study the transmission of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) guided by a thin metal film through an array of N identical nanowires, which are parallel to each other and to the surface of the metal film. By varying the parameters of the nanowire array, one can control the intensity of the transmitted SPP. Furthermore, we propose a novel mechano-optical modulation technique. The intensity of the transmitted SPP is modulated by changing the distance between the nanowire array and the metal film. The modulation frequency is in the kilohertz or megahertz range, owing to the unique mechanical properties of nanowires.