Vertical dielectric-sandwiched thin metal layer for compact, low-loss long range surface plasmon waveguiding

Abstract

In this letter, the author proposes a long range surface plasmon waveguide structure of a vertically standing thin metal layer sandwiched between finite-width dielectric layers to achieve both compact and low-loss photonic waveguiding. Rounded 90° bends in such waveguides, with radii of curvature on the scale of the incident wavelength, are studied. The author analyzes waveguiding modes of such waveguides at the straight and bend parts, and also the coupling of surface plasmon waves between them. The analyses are verified with numerical simulations. High transmission of surface plasmon waves through the bends is demonstrated.