Open AccessTerahertz-to-infrared emission through laser excitation of surface plasmons in metal films with porous nanostructures
Author(s) -
Liangliang Zhang,
Jinhua Zhao,
Tong Wu,
Cunlin Zhang,
X.-C. Zhang
Publication year - 2015
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.23.017185
Subject(s) - materials science , terahertz radiation , surface plasmon polariton , surface plasmon , plasmon , infrared , optics , optoelectronics , laser , far infrared laser , polariton , excitation , substrate (aquarium) , oceanography , physics , geology , electrical engineering , engineering
We report on the investigation of terahertz-to-infrared (THz-to-IR) thermal emission that relies on the excitation of surface plasmons in metal films deposited on a substrate with randomly ordered nanoscale pore arrays. The THz-to-IR radiation was observed both in the direction of laser beam propagation and the reverse direction. The intensity ratio between backward and forward radiation is exponentially dependent on the nominal thickness of the porous metal films. The findings are discussed in view of the proposed generation mechanism based on propagating surface plasmon polaritons on both air/metal and metal/substrate interfaces.