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19 pages, 3793 KB

Open AccessArticle

Controlled Nanopore Fabrication on Silicon via Surface Plasmon Polariton-Induced Laser Irradiation of Metal–Insulator–Metal Structured Films

by Sifan Huo, Sipeng Luo, Ruishen Wang, Jingnan Zhao, Wenfeng Miao, Zhiquan Guo and Yuanchen Cui

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1187; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101187 - 10 Oct 2025

Viewed by 66

Abstract

In this study, we present a cost-effective approach for fabricating nanopores on single-crystal silicon using a silver–alumina–silver (Ag/AAO/Ag) metal–insulator–metal (MIM) structured mask. Self-ordered porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) films were prepared via two-step anodization and coated with silver layers on both sides to [...] Read more.

In this study, we present a cost-effective approach for fabricating nanopores on single-crystal silicon using a silver–alumina–silver (Ag/AAO/Ag) metal–insulator–metal (MIM) structured mask. Self-ordered porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) films were prepared via two-step anodization and coated with silver layers on both sides to form the MIM structure. When irradiated with a 532 nm nanosecond laser, the MIM mask excites surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), resulting in a localized field enhancement that enables the etching of nanopores into the silicon substrate. This method successfully produced nanopores with diameters as small as 50 nm and depths up to 28 nm. The laser-induced SPP-assisted machining significantly enhances the specific surface area of the processed surface, making it promising for applications in catalysis, biosensing, and microcantilever-based devices. For instance, an increased surface area can improve catalytic efficiency by providing more active sites, and enhance sensor sensitivity by amplifying response signals. Compared to conventional lithographic or focused ion beam techniques, this method offers simplicity, low cost, and scalability. The proposed technique demonstrates a practical and efficient route for the large-area subwavelength nanostructuring of silicon surfaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)

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17 pages, 2364 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Electromagnetic Density of States Near Plasmonic Material Interfaces

by Rodolfo Cortés-Martínez, Ricardo Téllez-Limón, Cesar E. Garcia-Ortiz, Benjamín R. Jaramillo-Ávila and Gabriel A. Galaviz-Mosqueda

Surfaces 2025, 8(4), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/surfaces8040071 - 10 Oct 2025

Viewed by 149

Abstract

The electromagnetic density of states (EM-DOS) plays a crucial role in understanding light–matter interactions, especially at metal–dielectric interfaces. This study explores the impact of interface geometry, material properties, and nanostructures on EM-DOS, with a focus on surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and evanescent waves. [...] Read more.

The electromagnetic density of states (EM-DOS) plays a crucial role in understanding light–matter interactions, especially at metal–dielectric interfaces. This study explores the impact of interface geometry, material properties, and nanostructures on EM-DOS, with a focus on surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and evanescent waves. Using a combination of analytical and numerical methods, the behavior of EM-DOS is analyzed as a function of distance from metal–dielectric interfaces, showing exponential decay with penetration depth. The influence of different metals, including copper, gold, and silver, on EM-DOS is examined. Additionally, the effects of dielectric materials, such as Ti

O_{2}

, PMMA, and

{Al}_{2}

O_{3}

, on the enhancement of electromagnetic field confinement are discussed. The study also investigates the effect of nanostructures, like nanohole and nanopillar arrays, on EM-DOS by calculating effective permittivity and analyzing the interaction of quantum emitters with these structures. Results show that nanopillar arrays enhance EM-DOS more effectively than nanohole arrays, especially in the visible spectrum. The findings provide insights into optimizing plasmonic devices for applications in sensing, quantum technologies, and energy conversion. Full article

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13 pages, 1644 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling and Simulation of Highly Efficient and Eco-Friendly Perovskite Solar Cells Enabled by 2D Photonic Structuring and HTL-Free Design

by Ghada Yassin Abdel-Latif

Electronics 2025, 14(18), 3607; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14183607 - 11 Sep 2025

Viewed by 421

Abstract

A novel, eco-friendly perovskite solar cell design is investigated using numerical simulations based on the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The proposed structure incorporates a two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystal (PhC) architecture featuring a titanium dioxide (TiO₂) cylindrical electron extraction layer. To reduce [...] Read more.

A novel, eco-friendly perovskite solar cell design is investigated using numerical simulations based on the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The proposed structure incorporates a two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystal (PhC) architecture featuring a titanium dioxide (TiO₂) cylindrical electron extraction layer. To reduce fabrication complexity and overall production costs, a hole-transport-layer-free (HTL-free) configuration is employed. Simulation results reveal a significant enhancement in photovoltaic performance compared to conventional planar structures, achieving an ultimate efficiency of 42.3%, compared to 36.6% for the traditional design—an improvement of over 16%. Electromagnetic field distributions are analyzed to elucidate the physical mechanisms behind the enhanced absorption. The improved optical performance is attributed to strong coupling between photonic modes and surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), which enhances light–matter interaction. Furthermore, the device exhibits polarization-insensitive and angle-independent absorption characteristics, maintaining high performance for both transverse magnetic (TM) and transverse electric (TE) polarizations at incidence angles up to 60°. These findings highlight a promising pathway toward the development of cost-effective, lead-free perovskite solar cells with high efficiency and simplified fabrication processes. Full article

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9 pages, 1337 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Photonic–Surface Plasmon Coupling Mode: Experimental Study with a Silver Thin-Film Coating on MPCC

by Pengfei Li, Zhanwu Xie, Haitao Yan and Shitong Zhong

Photonics 2025, 12(8), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12080811 - 13 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1096

Abstract

In this paper, a silver thin film coating on a monolayer polystyrene colloidal crystal (MPCC) hybrid structure was fabricated, and a photonic–surface plasmon coupling mode was established and experimentally researched. The silver thin film was sputtered onto the MPCC to form Ag-MPCC. The [...] Read more.

In this paper, a silver thin film coating on a monolayer polystyrene colloidal crystal (MPCC) hybrid structure was fabricated, and a photonic–surface plasmon coupling mode was established and experimentally researched. The silver thin film was sputtered onto the MPCC to form Ag-MPCC. The silver film effectively excites surface plasmon polariton (SPP) modes upon the incidence of light, and the MPCC has an intrinsic mode. These two modes couple and result in the extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) phenomenon in the transmission spectrum. Reflection suppression arising from this photon coupling effect was discovered in the reflection spectrum. We etched the single-layer colloidal particles to change the period of the colloidal crystal, thereby forming the MPCC metal hybrid structure with different lattices. We discussed and analyzed the results through experiments. The EOT can be controlled by the incident angle, lattice periodicity, and refractive index distribution of the Ag-MPCC, and the diffraction behavior is determined using the lattice structure and refractive index of the MPCC. The coupling effect of the two models leads to wavelength shifts and intensity variations in the spectral eigenvalues. Reflection suppression is achieved when the reflectivity at a specific wavelength is close to 0.1. Full article

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15 pages, 4734 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Terahertz Modulation Performance of VO₂ Thin Films with Surface Plasmon Polaritons Structure

by Tao Chen, Qi Zhang, Jin Wang, Jiran Liang and Weibin Zhou

Coatings 2025, 15(7), 838; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15070838 - 17 Jul 2025

Viewed by 566

Abstract

This paper focuses on the switching and modulation techniques of terahertz waves, develops

{VO}_{2}

thin-film materials with an SPP structure, and uses terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) to study the semiconductor–metal phase transition characteristics of

{VO}_{2}

thin films, especially the photoinduced semiconductor–metal [...] Read more.

This paper focuses on the switching and modulation techniques of terahertz waves, develops

{VO}_{2}

thin-film materials with an SPP structure, and uses terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) to study the semiconductor–metal phase transition characteristics of

{VO}_{2}

thin films, especially the photoinduced semiconductor–metal phase transition characteristics of silicon-based

{VO}_{2}

thin films. The optical modulation characteristics of silicon-based

{VO}_{2}

thin films to terahertz waves under different light excitation modes, such as continuous light irradiation at different wavelengths and femtosecond pulsed laser irradiation, were analyzed. Combining the optical modulation characteristics of silicon-based

{VO}_{2}

thin films with the filtering characteristics of SPP structures, composite structures of

{VO}_{2}

thin films with metal hole arrays, composite structures of

{VO}_{2}

thin films with metal block arrays, and silicon-based

{VO}_{2}

microstructure arrays were designed. The characteristics of this dual-function device were tested experimentally. The experiment proves that the

{VO}_{2}

film material with an SPP structure has a transmission rate dropping sharply from 32% to 1% under light excitation; the resistivity changes by more than six orders of magnitude, and the modulation effect is remarkable. By applying the SPP structure to the

{VO}_{2}

material, the material can simultaneously possess modulation and filtering functions, enhancing its optical performance in the terahertz band. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Thin Films)

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12 pages, 2278 KB

Open AccessCommunication

An All-Optical Plasmon Modulator with a High Extinction Ratio Based on the Resonance of a Silver Block

by Jimi Fang, Sisi Yang, Xuefang Hu, Changgui Lu and Mengjia Lu

Photonics 2025, 12(7), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12070646 - 25 Jun 2025

Viewed by 473

Abstract

Conventional all-optical modulators based on surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) primarily utilize the nonlinear effect of a given material for modulation. Their performance is heavily dependent on the optical properties of the dielectric materials used and requires high pumping power. However, manipulating SPPs by [...] Read more.

Conventional all-optical modulators based on surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) primarily utilize the nonlinear effect of a given material for modulation. Their performance is heavily dependent on the optical properties of the dielectric materials used and requires high pumping power. However, manipulating SPPs by controlling electron concentrations offers a material-independent approach suitable for all-optical modulators. In this paper, we propose a hybrid gold–ITO–silver block structure integrated within a Mach–Zehnder interferometer configuration to address this problem. The gold–ITO interface effectively localizes propagating SPPs. The pump light excites localized surface plasmons (LSPs) in the silver block, generating surface electric fields that modulate the electron concentration in the adjacent ITO layer. The extinction ratio is 50.8 dB when the electron concentration changes by 3.3 × 10²⁰ cm⁻³, indicating that this structure is an all-optical modulator with a high extinction ratio. This approach shows significant promise for reducing pump power and enhancing the performance of all-optical modulators. Full article

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20 pages, 7945 KB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progress and Future Opportunities for Optical Manipulation in Halide Perovskite Photodetectors

by Jiarui Zhang and Chi Ma

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(11), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15110816 - 28 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1200

Abstract

Perovskite, as a promising class of photodetection material, demonstrates considerable potential in replacing conventional bulk light-detection materials such as silicon, III–V, or II–VI compound semiconductors and has been widely applied in various special light detection. Relying solely on the intrinsic photoelectric properties of [...] Read more.

Perovskite, as a promising class of photodetection material, demonstrates considerable potential in replacing conventional bulk light-detection materials such as silicon, III–V, or II–VI compound semiconductors and has been widely applied in various special light detection. Relying solely on the intrinsic photoelectric properties of perovskite gradually fails to meet the evolving requirements attributed to the escalating demand for low-cost, lightweight, flexible, and highly integrated photodetection. Direct manipulation of electrons and photons with differentiation of local electronic field through predesigned optical nanostructures is a promising strategy to reinforce the detectivity. This review provides a concise overview of the optical manipulation strategy in perovskite photodetector through various optical nanostructures, such as isolated metallic nanoparticles and continuous metallic gratings. Furthermore, the special light detection techniques involving more intricate nanostructure designs have been summarized and discussed. Reviewing these optical manipulation strategies could be beneficial to the next design of perovskite photodetector with high performance and special light recognition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices)

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16 pages, 4346 KB

Open AccessArticle

First-Principles Calculations of Plasmon-Induced Hot Carrier Properties of μ-Ag₃Al

by Zihan Zhao, Hai Ren, Yucheng Wang, Xiangchao Ma, Jiali Jiang, Linfang Wei and Delian Liu

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(10), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15100761 - 19 May 2025

Viewed by 599

Abstract

Non-radiative decay of surface plasmon (SP) offers a novel paradigm for efficient conversion of photons into carriers. However, the narrow bandwidth of SP has been a significant obstacle to the widespread applications. Previously, research and applications mainly focused on noble metals such as [...] Read more.

Non-radiative decay of surface plasmon (SP) offers a novel paradigm for efficient conversion of photons into carriers. However, the narrow bandwidth of SP has been a significant obstacle to the widespread applications. Previously, research and applications mainly focused on noble metals such as Au, Ag, and Cu. In this article, we report an Ag-Al alloy material, μ-Ag₃Al, in which the surface plasmon operating bandwidth is 1.7 times that of Ag and hot carrier transport properties are comparable with those of AuAl. The results show that μ-Ag₃Al allows efficient direct interband electronic transitions from ultraviolet (UV) to near infrared range. Spherical nanoparticles of μ-Ag₃Al exhibit the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect in the ultraviolet region. Its surface plasmon polariton (SPP) shows strong non-radiative decay at 3.36 eV, which is favorable for the generation of high-energy hot carriers. In addition, the penetration depth of SPP in μ-Ag₃Al remains high across the UV to the near-infrared range. Moreover, the transport properties of hot carriers in μ-Ag₃Al are comparable with those in Al, borophene and Au-Al intermetallic compounds. These properties can provide guidance for the design of plasmon-based photodetectors, solar cells, and photocatalytic reactors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Plasmonics and Nanoscale Optoelectronics: From Theory to Experiments)

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13 pages, 1812 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study of a Graphene Surface Plasmon Polariton-Based Dielectric Laser Accelerator

by Hongxiang Lin, Tianfa Liao, Xiaohui Wei, Wenyuan Wang, Juan Du and Yaoxuan Zhi

Photonics 2025, 12(4), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12040292 - 21 Mar 2025

Viewed by 854

Abstract

Due to their high breakdown threshold and acceleration gradient, dielectric laser accelerators (DLAs) have become an important technical direction of accelerator miniaturization. In this study, an electron accelerator scheme based on graphene surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) is proposed. The grating was designed to [...] Read more.

Due to their high breakdown threshold and acceleration gradient, dielectric laser accelerators (DLAs) have become an important technical direction of accelerator miniaturization. In this study, an electron accelerator scheme based on graphene surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) is proposed. The grating was designed to be etched on the silica surface in the simulation, and a layer of graphene was modeled to cover the surface of the medium. The incident laser light in the simulation was configured to be coupled by the grating to generate surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) on the graphene surface. According to the simulation results, a relatively large acceleration channel aperture and long acceleration length could be formed on the graphene surface using a mid-infrared laser; this provides a technical solution for increasing the beam current of a DLA. A 53.375 THz laser was incident on the surface of the accelerating structure to carry out tracking calculations on a 10 MeV electron beam. For the 100

μ

m accelerating structure, an energy gain of 0.105 MeV was achieved, and the acceleration gradient reached 1.05 GeV/m. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Free-Electron Radiation Sources and Particle Accelerators: Current Research and Future Directions)

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8 pages, 2426 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Broadband On-Chip Directional Coupler with Oblique Nanoslits

by Can Chen, Qingfang Wang, Jinzhan Zhong, Xinrui Lei and Qiwen Zhan

Photonics 2025, 12(3), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12030289 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 544

Abstract

Directional coupling of light at the nanoscale plays a significant role in both fundamental research and practical applications, which are crucial for the development of on-chip photonic devices. In this work, we propose a broadband directional coupler for surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) utilizing [...] Read more.

Directional coupling of light at the nanoscale plays a significant role in both fundamental research and practical applications, which are crucial for the development of on-chip photonic devices. In this work, we propose a broadband directional coupler for surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) utilizing a pair of obliquely perforated nanoslits. We demonstrate that tilting the slits significantly enhances the sensitivity of plasmonic coupling phase variation to the wavelength of the incident light, enabling precise wavelength-dependent control over SPP propagation. By optimizing the width and tilting angle of each nanoslit, we achieve an extinction ratio exceeding 10 dB with a bandwidth exceeding 400 nm and a maximum unidirectional transmission of up to 30 dB. This broadband directional SPP coupler presents a promising platform for the design and fabrication of integrated plasmonic circuits and high-performance optical devices and sensors. Full article

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12 pages, 8770 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Magnetoplasmonic Behavior in Ag/Fe Bilayer Nanostructures Towards Refractometric Sensing

by João Pedro Miranda Carvalho, Bernardo S. Dias, Luís C. C. Coelho and José M. M. M. de Almeida

Sensors 2025, 25(5), 1419; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25051419 - 26 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 706

Abstract

Magneto-optic surface plasmon resonances (MOSPRs) rely on the interaction of magnetic fields with surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) to modulate plasmonic bands with magnetic fields and enhance magneto-optical activity. In the present work, a study on the magnetoplasmonic behavior of Ag/Fe bilayers is carried [...] Read more.

Magneto-optic surface plasmon resonances (MOSPRs) rely on the interaction of magnetic fields with surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) to modulate plasmonic bands with magnetic fields and enhance magneto-optical activity. In the present work, a study on the magnetoplasmonic behavior of Ag/Fe bilayers is carried out by VIS-NIR spectroscopy and backed with SQUID measurements, determining the thickness-dependent magnetization of thin-film samples. The MOSPR sensing properties of Ag/Fe planar bilayers are simulated using Berreman’s matrix formalism, from which an optimized structure composed of 15 nm of Ag and 12.5 nm of Fe is obtained. The selected structure is fabricated and characterized for refractive index (RI) sensitivity, reaching 4946 RIU⁻¹ and returning an effective enhancement of refractometric sensitivity after magneto-optical modulation. A new optimized and cobalt-free magnetoplasmonic Ag/Fe bilayer structure is studied, fabricated, and characterized for the first time towards refractometric sensing, to the best of our knowledge. This configuration exhibits potential for enhancing refractometric sensitivity via magneto-optical modulation, thus paving the way towards a simpler, more accessible, and safe type of RI sensor with potential applications in chemical sensors and biosensors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Fabrication of Fiber Optic Sensors for Bio-Chemical Sensing Applications)

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21 pages, 15250 KB

Open AccessReview

Plasmonic Vortices: A Promising Tool Utilizing Plasmonic Orbital Angular Momentum

by Zhi Gao, Dmitri V. Voronine and Alexei V. Sokolov

Photonics 2025, 12(2), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12020125 - 31 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1642

Abstract

An optical vortex (OV) beam is an important type of spatially structured beam. However, the diffraction limit for light with orbital angular momentum (OAM) remains a challenge for certain applications. Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) can confine light to nanoscale dimensions and enhance light–matter [...] Read more.

An optical vortex (OV) beam is an important type of spatially structured beam. However, the diffraction limit for light with orbital angular momentum (OAM) remains a challenge for certain applications. Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) can confine light to nanoscale dimensions and enhance light–matter interactions. Over the past two decades, researchers have begun to explore the imparting of OAM onto SPPs to generate plasmonic vortices (PVs). Since the discovery of PVs, significant efforts have been made in this field, leading to considerable progress. This article reviews these studies in three key areas: (a) the generation and manipulation of PVs, (b) the characterization of PVs, and (c) the application of PVs. We believe that PVs represent a promising tool utilizing plasmonic OAM for both fundamental research and practical applications and hold great potential for the future with continued dedicated efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrafast Pulse Shaping Techniques: From Temporal to Spatiotemporal Control)

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19 pages, 7555 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancement of Light Extraction Efficiency Using Wavy-Patterned PDMS Substrates

by Jian Cheng Bi, Kyo-Cheol Kang, Jun-Young Park, Junbeom Song, Ji-Sung Lee, Hyejung Lim, Young Wook Park and Byeong-Kwon Ju

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(3), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15030198 - 27 Jan 2025

Viewed by 2204

Abstract

This study introduces an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) light extraction method using a wavy-patterned polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate created via oxygen (O₂) plasma treatment. A rapid fabrication process adjusted the flow, pressure, duration, and power of the O₂ plasma treatment to [...] Read more.

This study introduces an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) light extraction method using a wavy-patterned polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate created via oxygen (O₂) plasma treatment. A rapid fabrication process adjusted the flow, pressure, duration, and power of the O₂ plasma treatment to replicate the desired wavy structure. This method allowed the treated samples to maintain over 90% total transmittance and enabled controlled haze adjustments from 10% to 70%. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations were employed to determine optimal amplitudes and periods for the wavy structure to maximize optical performance. Further experiments demonstrated that bottom-emitting green fluorescent OLEDs constructed on these substrates achieved an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 3.5%, representing a 97% improvement compared to planar PDMS OLEDs. Additionally, color purity variation was minimized to 0.044, and the peak wavelength shift was limited to 10 nm, ensuring consistent color purity and intensity even at wide viewing angles. This study demonstrates the potential of this cost-effective and efficient method in advancing high-quality display. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nanophotonics Materials and Devices)

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Graphical abstract

8 pages, 4005 KB

Open AccessCommunication

A New Method to Enhance the Light–Matter Interaction by Controlling the Resonance of Electrons

by Xuefang Hu, Haoyang Mao, Sisi Yang, Changgui Lu, Xiangyue Zhao and Mengjia Lu

Photonics 2025, 12(2), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12020095 - 22 Jan 2025

Viewed by 2726

Abstract

The manipulation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) plays an essential role in plasmonic science and technology. However, the modulation efficiency and size of the device in the traditional method suffer from weak light–matter interaction. Herein, we propose a new method to enhance the [...] Read more.

The manipulation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) plays an essential role in plasmonic science and technology. However, the modulation efficiency and size of the device in the traditional method suffer from weak light–matter interaction. Herein, we propose a new method to enhance the light–matter interaction by controlling the resonance of electrons in a sandwich structure which is composed of an interdigital electrode, dielectric, and doped semiconductor. The numerical results show that the resonance of electrons occurs when their vibrational frequency under electrostatic field matches well with the oscillation frequency of the propagating SPPs. The intensity of the electric field is enhanced about 8%, which can be utilized to improve the modulation efficiency and minimize the footprint of device to a great extent. These findings pave a new way towards higher precision sensor and more compact modulator. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives in Optical Design)

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9 pages, 1632 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Bifunctional Electromagnetic Manipulation of Surface Waves Using Metasurfaces Under One Circularly Polarized Incidence

by Min Kang, Lixing Chen, Shuaipeng Qin, Liang Ma, Aoxiang Rui and Shiqing Li

Photonics 2025, 12(1), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12010091 - 20 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1188

Abstract

The ability to freely manipulate the wavefronts of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) or surface waves (SWs), particularly with multifunctional integration, is of great importance in near-field photonics. However, conventional SPP control devices typically suffer from low efficiency and single-function limitations. Although recent works [...] Read more.

The ability to freely manipulate the wavefronts of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) or surface waves (SWs), particularly with multifunctional integration, is of great importance in near-field photonics. However, conventional SPP control devices typically suffer from low efficiency and single-function limitations. Although recent works have proposed metasurfaces that achieve bifunctional SPP manipulation, their implementation relies on the excitations of circularly polarized (CP) light with different helicities. Here, we propose a generic approach to designing bifunctional SPP meta-devices under single-helicity circularly polarized incidence. Constructed using carefully selected and arranged meta-atoms that possess both structural resonance and a geometric phase, this kind of meta-device can exhibit two distinct SPP manipulation functionalities in both co- and cross-polarized output channels under one CP incidence. As proof of this concept, we designed a bifunctional meta-device in the microwave regime and numerically demonstrated that it can convert a normally incident left circularly polarized (LCP) beam into SWs, exhibiting both a focused wavefront in the co-polarized output channel and a deflected wavefront in the cross-polarized output channel. Our findings substantially enrich the capabilities of metasurfaces to manipulate near-field electromagnetic waves, which can find many applications in practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives in Optical Design)

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