Open AccessSurface plasmon dynamics in an isolated metallic nanoslit
Author(s) -
Jeff Wuenschell,
Hong Koo Kim
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.14.010000
Subject(s) - surface plasmon , plasmon , dielectric , polarization (electrochemistry) , permittivity , optics , vortex , metal , surface plasmon polariton , condensed matter physics , materials science , energy flow , electromagnetic radiation , physics , molecular physics , optoelectronics , energy (signal processing) , chemistry , mechanics , quantum mechanics , metallurgy
We present an analytical study of the dynamic interplay among surface plasmon polarization charges, electromagnetic fields, and energy flow in the metal/dielectric interface and metal nanoslit structure. Particular attention is given to the regime where the energy flow in the metal side is significant compared to that in the dielectric side. The study reveals that a vortex-like circulation of energy is an intrinsic feature of surface plasmon propagation supported by a metal/dielectric interface, and, in general, a vortex can form when the permittivity and permeability values of the materials involved satisfy the following condition: {(epsilon(m)/epsilon(d)) < -1 and (mu(m)/mu(d)) > -1} or {(epsilon(m)/epsilon(d)) > -1 and (mu(m)/mu(d)) < -1}.