Open AccessElectrical detection of plasmonic waves using an ultra-compact structure via a nanocavity
Author(s) -
Peng Bai,
Mingxia Gu,
XingChang Wei,
ErPing Li
Publication year - 2009
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.17.024349
Subject(s) - plasmon , optics , detector , optoelectronics , nanorod , responsivity , materials science , photonics , waveguide , physics , nanotechnology
A novel structure is proposed to electrically detect the plasmonic waves from a subwavelength plasmonic waveguide. By locating two L-shaped metallic nanorods in close proximity of each other at the end of the plasmonic waveguide, a metal-semiconductor-metal plasmonic detector is constructed. The L-shaped nanorods also form a dipole nanoantenna and a nanocavity to focus the photonic power into the active volume of the detector. The dimensions and locations of the L-shaped nanorods are studied to maximize the transmission efficiency of the photonic power from the plasmonic waveguide to the detector. Impedance matching with a sub is investigated to further improve the power transmission. Possible leads of the detector are discussed and their effects are investigated. Proposed detector has an ultra-compact and easy-to-fabricate planar structure, and a potentially THz speed, high responsivity as well as low power dissipation.