Open AccessWavelength-dependent transmission through sharp 90° bends in sub-wavelength metallic slot waveguides
Author(s) -
Daniel R. Mason,
Dmitri K. Gramotnev,
Kwang S. Kim
Publication year - 2010
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.18.016139
Subject(s) - optics , wavelength , materials science , transmission (telecommunications) , asymmetry , waveguide , dielectric , interference (communication) , surface plasmon , plasmon , physics , optoelectronics , telecommunications , channel (broadcasting) , quantum mechanics , computer science
In this paper, we present a comprehensive numerical study of the wavelength-dependence of transmission through sharp 90 degrees bends in metallic slot waveguides with sub-wavelength localization and varying geometrical parameters. In particular, it is demonstrated that increasing the plasmon wavelength results in a significant increase (up to nearly 100%) of transmission through the bend, combined with a reduction in the mode asymmetry in the second arm of the bend. The mode asymmetry and its relaxation are explained by interference of the transmitted mode with non-propagating and leaky modes generated at the bend. Comparison with the two-dimensional case of a metal-dielectric-metal waveguide is also conducted, showing significant differences for the slot waveguides based on the presence of different non-propagating and leaky modes.