Open AccessSurface plasmon induced polarization rotation and optical vorticity in a single mode waveguide
Author(s) -
Paul Davids,
Bruce A. Block,
Miriam Reshotko,
Ken Cadien
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.15.009476
Subject(s) - optics , surface plasmon , polarization (electrochemistry) , materials science , waveguide , polarization mode dispersion , plasmon , polarization rotator , optical rotation , optoelectronics , physics , dispersion (optics) , birefringence , chemistry
The control and manipulation of the mode polarization state in a single mode dielectric waveguide is of considerable significance for optical information processing utilizing the polarization state to store digital information and integrated photonic devices used for high speed signaling. Here we report on an integrated on-chip mode polarization rotation based on short metal Cu electrodes placed in close proximity to the dielectric waveguide core. Polarization mode rotation with specific rotation of 10(4) degrees/mm is observed for offset metallic electrodes placed diagonally along a single mode dielectric waveguide. The mechanism for the polarization rotation is shown to be directional coupling into guided surface plasmon modes at the metal corners and coupling between the guided plasmon modes. This inter-plasmon coupling gives rise to giant polarization rotation and optical vorticity (helical power flow) in the waveguide.