Excitation Of Surface Plasmon Modes Research Articles

Experimental demonstration of a Fano resonant hybrid plasmonic metasurface absorber for the O and E bands of the optical communication window

Plasmonic metasurface absorbers are capable of absorbing the incident light at wavelengths corresponding to the excitation of Fano resonant modes. Absorption of the incident light is possible because of its confinement near the edges of the plasmonic nanostructure. Confinement of light takes place because of the coupling of superradiant and subradiant modes near the edges of the plasmonic metasurface. Superradiant and subradiant modes are excited for the oblique angle incidence of transverse magnetic (TM)-polarized light. The incidence of TM-polarized light supports the excitation of surface plasmon modes at the metal–dielectric interface. For the oblique angle incidence, surface plasmon modes couple with the incident light and generate the superradiant and subradiant modes near the plasmonic metasurface. We experimentally demonstrate the absorption of near-infrared light in the O and E optical communication band by a one-dimensional (1D) hybrid plasmonic metasurface. A low-cost, and flexible, 1D hybrid plasmonic metasurface absorber (HPMA) was obtained by extracting an Ag-coated, flexible, and 1D patterned polycarbonate layer from a digital versatile disc (DVD). The DVD consists of an Ag layer sandwiched between two 1D patterned polycarbonate layers. A large-area HPMA of 3cm2 in size was fabricated for optical characterization. Control experiments on the variation of the angle of incidence of light were performed to achieve the maximum light absorption of 79%. The effect of transverse electric (TE)- and TM-polarized light on the HPMA was studied. The effect of the thickness of the polymer layer on the HPMA, and per unit change of refractive index (RIU) of the analyte medium, were also investigated. HPMA supports refractive index sensing characteristics with a maximum sensitivity of 954 nm/RIU. Electric field profiles at different incidence angles were simulated using the finite element method on COMSOL Multiphysics software to explain the underlying physics of Fano resonance. HPMA can be used to develop cost-effective photonic devices such as sensors, spectral filters, photodetectors, heat-absorbing protective photonic covers, etc.

Excitation of surface plasmon mode in bulk semiconductor lasers.

We propose a realistic process for the excitation of surface plasmon polariton (SPP) modes in a silicon photonic waveguide (WG). The process involves the placement of buried oxide (BOX) composed of silica between a WG and silicon substrate. When the BOX thickness is manipulated, different amounts of modal power leak toward the BOX into the substrate and simultaneously acquire compensation from a semiconductor located on the WG. The compensation related to the leakage can be used to infer transparency gain. Similar to the case for a semiconductor laser cavity, the lowest transparency gain among WG modes can be favored; thus, only one mode can survive in the WG, and it is in the region with the specified BOX thickness. Finally, we propose a credible mechanism suitable for demonstrating the region requirements of the existence of SPP modes.

Electron energy loss spectroscopy on freestanding perforated gold films

We report on a combined far- and near-field study of surface plasmon polaritons on freestanding perforated gold films. The samples are fabricated by focused ion beam milling of {a periodic hole array into} a carbon membrane followed by thermal evaporation of gold and plasma ashing of the carbon film. Optical transmission spectra show a series of characteristic features, which can be attributed to the excitation of surface plasmon modes via the periodic nanohole array. The corresponding near-field distributions are mapped by electron energy-loss spectroscopy. Besides the optically bright surface plasmon modes, we observe in the near-field an additional dark plasmon mode, which is absent in the normal incidence far-field spectra. Our experimental results are in good agreement with numerical computations based on a discontinuous Galerkin time-domain method.

Enhanced Optical Transmission Assisted Near-Infrared Plasmonic Optical Filter via Hybrid Subwavelength Structures

Enhanced optical transmission (EOT), which results from the incident light interacting with the subwavelength nanostructures patterned in a metallic film, showcases the excitation of surface plasmon modes on both surfaces of the metallic film and their intercoupling effects. Here, we numerically study the EOT phenomenon from the incident light acting on the periodic subwavelength hybrid arrays in a metallic film, which contains annular concentric core and aperture unit structure undergoing multiple geometrical configurations. It is shown that several configurations, which consist of a core with a different number of apertures, of the unit structure, are possible to facilitate the intercoupling between the surface plasmon polariton resonance mode of the core and the localized surface plasmon resonance mode of the aperture. Moreover, taking advantage of the EOT effect realized in the periodic structure arrays including a concentric core with triple-aperture unit structure, we propose a plasmonic optical filter (POF) in the near-infrared region. By adjusting both the periods and the width difference between the nearest-neighbor two apertures of the unit structure, the realization of near-infrared POF accompanies with tunable positions and amplitudes of the EOT peaks. Additionally, these behaviors could also be extended to the case of a concentric core with a multiple-aperture unit structure for actualizing near- or mid-infrared POF effect. Our results promise new avenues for plasmonic devices and enrich the application range of metallic structures in the field of optical communications and information processing.

Plasmon-induced demagnetization and magnetic switching in nickel nanoparticle arrays

We report on the manipulation of magnetization by femtosecond laser pulses in a periodic array of cylindrical nickel nanoparticles. By performing experiments at different wavelengths, we show that the excitation of collective surface plasmon resonances triggers demagnetization in zero field or magnetic switching in a small perpendicular field. Both magnetic effects are explained by plasmon-induced heating of the nickel nanoparticles to their Curie temperature. Model calculations confirm the strong correlation between the excitation of surface plasmon modes and laser-induced changes in magnetization.

Clarification of surface modes of a periodic nanopatch metasurface.

We study the angle-dependent optical reflectance spectrum of a metasurface consisting of a periodic array of film-coupled plasmonic nanopatch particles. The nanopatch metasurface exhibits a strong, angle-independent absorption resonance at a wavelength defined by the nanopatch geometry and relative density. When the nanopatches are arranged in a regular lattice, a second, sharp absorption dip is present that varies strongly as a function of the incidence angle. This second resonance is a collective effect involving the excitation of surface plasmon modes and relates to a Wood's anomaly. Using an analytical model, we compute the surface modes of the structure and confirm details about the various mechanisms that contribute to the reflection spectra. The measured reflectance spectra are in excellent agreement with both analytical calculations and full-wave numerical simulations.

Excitation of nanowire surface plasmons by silicon vacancy centers in nanodiamonds

Silicon vacancy (SiV) centers in diamonds have emerged as a very promising candidate for quantum emitters due to their narrow emission line resulting in their indistinguishability. While many different quantum emitters have already been used for the excitation of various propagating plasmonic modes, the corresponding exploitation of SiV centers has emained so far uncharted territory. Here, we report on the excitation of surface plasmon modes supported by silver nanowires using SiV centers in nanodiamonds. The coupling of SiV center fluorescence to surface plasmons is observed, when a nanodiamond situated close to a nanowire is illuminated by the pump, as radiated emission from the distal nanowire end. The effect of coupling is also seen as a change in the SiV center lifetime. Finally, we discuss possible avenues for strengthening the SiV center coupling to surface plasmon modes.

A new transfer matrix for investigation of surface plasmon modes in multilayer structures containing anisotropic graphene layers

In this paper, we derive a new transfer matrix for optical calculations of anisotropic graphene layers in the presence of an external magnetic field. We employ this method to calculate the reflectance of a configuration which can be used for the optical excitation of surface plasmon modes in a magnetostatically biased single graphene layer surrounded by two dielectric media under illumination of a transverse magnetic (TM) polarized wave. Due to the external magnetic field, both transverse electric (TE) and magnetic polarizations exist in the reflected wave. There is a dip in the reflectance spectrum of the reflected TM polarized wave which corresponds to the excitation of graphene plasmons in the terahertz region. The frequency at which reflectance becomes minimum increases with increasing the external magnetic field. However, the reflectance of reflected TE polarized wave becomes maximum when graphene plasmons are excited. We use the proposed transfer matrix method to obtain the dispersion relation of hybrid TE-TM polarized surface waves supported by the air-graphene-SiO2 structure at different external magnetic fields. Our results exactly coincide with the previous plasmon dispersion relation. Next, we consider a configuration for the excitation of surface plasmons in a multilayered structure containing three magnetostatically graphene layers. The reflectance spectrum of TM reflected waves for this structure is calculated at different external magnetic fields and for each value of magnetic field three dips appear in the reflectance which shift to higher frequencies with increase of the magnetic field. Finally, the plasmon dispersion curve corresponding to three graphene layers separated with different dielectric layers is calculated at different magnetic fields. For each value of magnetic field, there are three branches in the dispersion curve corresponding to three plasmon modes. At the same frequency, the wave number of each plasmon mode decreases with increasing the magnetic field leading to its easier optical excitation from air.

Selective excitation of surface plasmon modes propagating in Ag nanowires.

Surface plasmon modes propagating in metal nanowires are conveniently excited by focusing a laser beam on one extremity of the nanowire. We find that the precise positioning of the nanowire inside the focal region drastically influences the excitation efficiency of the different SPP modes sustained by the plasmonic waveguide. We demonstrate a spatially selective excitation of bound and leaky surface plasmon modes with excitation maps that strongly depend on the orientation of the incident linear polarization. We discuss this modal selection by considering the inhomogeneous distribution of the field components inside the focus. Our finding provides a way to discriminate the effective indices of the modes offering thus an increased coupling agility for future nanowire-based plasmonic architectures.

Theory of electron energy loss near plasmonic wires, nanorods, and cones

We present an analytical description of the electron energy loss near plasmonic nanostructures with cylindrical symmetry as a three-step process: (i) electron-induced excitation of surface plasmon modes, (ii) their propagation and reflection, and (iii) the backaction on the electrons. The model incorporates relativistic effects, retardation, and light emission, and can treat arbitrary tilted electron trajectories. Convincing agreement with recent experimental data is demonstrated.

Investigation of plasmon resonance tunneling through subwavelength hole arrays in highly doped conductive ZnO films

Experimental results pertaining to plasmon resonance tunneling through a highly conductive zinc oxide (ZnO) layer with subwavelength hole-arrays is investigated in the mid-infrared regime. Gallium-doped ZnO layers are pulsed-laser deposited on a silicon wafer. The ZnO has metallic optical properties with a bulk plasma frequency of 214 THz, which is equivalent to a free space wavelength of 1.4 μm. Hole arrays with different periods and hole shapes are fabricated via a standard photolithography process. Resonant mode tunneling characteristics are experimentally studied for different incident angles and compared with surface plasmon theoretical calculations and finite-difference time-domain simulations. Transmission peaks, higher than the baseline predicted by diffraction theory, are observed in each of the samples at wavelengths that correspond to the excitation of surface plasmon modes.

Effects of shape of terminus on excitation of surface plasmon modes on metal nanowires

The effects of the shape of a nanowire terminus on the excited surface plasmon polariton (SPP) modes are investigated. The conical terminus and terminus cut at a certain angle are studied. For the first time, the quantitative mode decompositions are carried out to derive the full information about excited SPP modes. It is demonstrated that tuning the shape of the terminus provides an effective method to control the composition of excited SPP modes on metal nanowires. It is especially found that some important patterns, such as the pure TM0 mode and the superposition of TM0 and HE+1 or HE−1 modes, can be generated by some specific shapes of the terminus, whereas there is no way to produce these patterns using flat-end nanowires.

Spontaneous emission and energy transfer rates near a coated metallic cylinder

The spontaneous emission and energy transfer rates of quantum systems in proximity to a dielectrically coated metallic cylinder are investigated using a Green’s tensor formalism. The excitation of surface plasmon modes can significantly modify these rates. The spontaneous emission and energy transfer rates are investigated as a function of the material and dimensions of the core and coating, as well as the emission wavelength of the donor. For the material of the core we consider gold and silver, whose surface plasmon wavelengths lie in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The spontaneous emission rate is enhanced by several orders of magnitude when the emission wavelength is close to the surface plasmon wavelength. The energy transfer rate enhancement is found to be concentrated in hot spots around the circumference of the coated cylinder. Introducing the energy transfer efficiency as a parameter, we find that, when the donor emission and acceptor absorption spectra are resonant with the surface plasmon modes excited on the coated cylinder, the energy transfer efficiency can be significantly enhanced compared to the off-resonance situation. Tuning the surface plasmon wavelength to the emission wavelength of the donor via the geometrical and material parameters of the coated cylinder allows, therefore, control of the energy transfer efficiency.

High-harmonic generation by nonlinear resonant excitation of surface plasmon modes in metallic nanoparticles

The nonlinear electron dynamics in metallic nanoparticles is studied using a hydrodynamic model that incorporates most quantum many-body features, including spill-out and nonlocal effects as well as electron exchange and correlations. We show that, by irradiating the nanoparticle with a chirped laser pulse of modest intensity (autoresonance), it is possible to drive the electron dynamics far into the nonlinear regime, leading to enhanced energy absorption and complete ionization of the nanoparticle on a time scale of the order of 100 fs. The accompanying radiated power spectrum is rich in high-order harmonics.

Plasmonic Circular Nanostructure for Enhanced Light Absorption in Organic Solar Cells

This study attempts to enhance broadband absorption in advanced plasmonic circular nanostructures (PCN). Experimental results indicate that the concentric circular metallic gratings can enhance broadband optical absorption, due to the structure geometry and the excitation of surface plasmon mode. The interaction between plasmonic enhancement and the absorption characteristics of the organic materials (P3HT:PCBM and PEDOT:PSS) are also examined. According to those results, the organic material's overall optical absorption can be significantly enhanced by up to~51% over that of a planar device. Additionally, organic materials are enhanced to a maximum of 65% for PCN grating pitch = 800 nm. As a result of the PCN's enhancement in optical absorption, incorporation of the PCN into P3HT:PCBM-based organic solar cells (OSCs) significantly improved the performance of the solar cells: short-circuit current increased from 10.125 to 12.249 and power conversion efficiency from 3.2% to 4.99%. Furthermore, optimizing the OSCs architectures further improves the performance of the absorption and PCE enhancement.

Superradiance mediated by graphene surface plasmons

We demonstrate that the interaction between two emitters can be controlled by means of the efficient excitation of surface plasmon modes in graphene. We consider graphene surface plasmons supported by either two-dimensional graphene sheets or one-dimensional graphene ribbons, showing in both cases that the coupling between the emitters can be strongly enhanced or suppressed. The super- and subradiant regimes are investigated in the reflection and transmission configurations. Importantly, the length scale of the coupling between emitters, which in vacuum is fixed by the free space wavelength, is now determined by the wavelength of the graphene surface plasmons that can be extremely short and be tuned at will via a gate voltage.

Physical colors in cultural heritage: Surface plasmons in glass

Abstract Gold ruby glass and lustre ceramics are the almost unique examples of physical colors in the cultural heritage. The main physical effect at the origin of their color is the excitation of surface plasmon modes in metal nanoparticles. Moreover, in lustre, interference effects due a multilayer structure add a bright iridescence. The principle of plasmons is recalled in detail and applied to Gold ruby glass. The case of luster ceramics is treated in more detail due to the complexity of the effects involved: plasmon, scattering, interference between specular reflected light beams and also between scattered beams. To cite this article: J. Lafait et al., C. R. Physique 10 (2009).

Design and fabrication of selective thin film absorbers on the basis of silver island films

The combination of a metal island film with a dielectric multilayer represents a novel approach to the preparation of spectrally selective absorbers. Metal island films show exceptional optical properties caused by the optical excitation of surface plasmon modes. The plasmon resonance frequency depends on the size and shape of the islands and is influenced by the deposition parameters. The first type of samples represents a silver island film in an ultrathin Al2O3 film. We analyzed these samples by means of spectrophotometry. The recorded spectra allow the calculation of the optical constants of the silver island films. These show a maximum absorption of up to 40%. Finally, we incorporated ultrathin metal-dielectric-composite films on a silver/alumina basis into multilayer stacks to design tailored spectrally selective absorber coatings. The stack absorption comes close to 100%.

Photonic nanopatterns of gold nanostructures indicate the excitation of surface plasmon modes of a wavelength of 50–100 nm by scanning near‐field optical microscopy

Scanning near-field optical microscopy images of metal nanostructures taken with the tetrahedral tip (T-tip) show a distribution of dark and bright spots at distances in the order of 25-50 nm. The images are interpreted as photonic nanopatterns defined as calculated scanning near-field optical microscopy images using a dipole serving as a light-emitting scanning near-field optical microscopy probe. Changing from a positive to a negative value of the dielectric function of a sample leads to the partition of one spot into several spots in the photonic nanopatterns, indicating the excitation of surface plasmons of a wavelength in the order of 50-100 nm in metal nanostructures.

Supramolecular functional interfacial architectures for biosensor applications

This short review describes some of our efforts in generating bio-functional supramolecular interfacial architectures for their use as affinity coatings in biosensor development based on a recently introduced novel optical recording principle combining the resonant excitation of surface plasmon modes and fluorescence detection schemes. Examples are given for multilayer assemblies designed for surface hybridization reactions between a grafted oligonucleotide catcher probe and target strands from solution. By describing the binding behavior of fluorophore-labeled rabbit–anti-mouse IgG to surface-attached mouse IgG, the limit of detection of the surface plasmon fluorescence spectroscopy will be shown to be in the lower femtomolar concentration range. These DNA-and protein binding studies will be complemented by examples for membrane-based biosensor platforms. We will document that tethered lipid bilayer membranes can be assembled with specific capacities of Cm = 0.5μF cm−2 and specific resistivities in excess of Rm > 20 MΩ cm2. The incorporation of the synthetic ionophore valinomycin can mediate the K+-ion translocation across these tethered membranes, thus reducing the resistivity selectively and reversibly by more than four orders of magnitude.