Open AccessSubwavelength optical imaging of evanescent fields using reflections from plasmonic slabs
Author(s) -
Matthew D. Arnold,
Richard J. Blaikie
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.15.011542
Subject(s) - optics , plasmon , interferometry , interference (communication) , reflection (computer programming) , physics , evanescent wave , reflector (photography) , computer science , computer network , light source , channel (broadcasting) , programming language
Reflection can significantly improve the quality of subwavelength near-field images, which is explained by appropriate interference between forward and reflected waves. Plasmonic slabs may form approximate super-mirrors. This paper develops general theory in both spectral and spatial representations that allows the reflector position and permittivity to be determined for optimum image uniformity. This elucidates previous observations and predicts behaviour for some other interesting regimes, including interferometric lithography.