title: Plasmonic multi-mode interference couplers.
abstract: Plasmonic multi-mode interference (MMI) couplers have been investigated both numerically and experimentally at the telecommunication wavelength of 1.55 mum. In this study, the couplers are implemented using thin Au stripes that support long-range surface plasmons. We first detail the operation principle of these devices with numerical simulations and show that useful effects can be obtained despite the high material losses inherent to metallic structures. A series of MMI couplers is subsequently fabricated and experimentally characterized, showing a quantitative agreement with our numerical predictions. We conclude by discussing some of the possible applications for these structures.
authors.affiliation: Center for Metamaterials and Integrated Plasmonics, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
authors.forename: Yu-Ju
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.forename: Aloyse
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Degiron
authors.forename: Nan M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Jokerst
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D007368:Interferometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D055096:Optical Devices; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D020349:Surface Plasmon Resonance / Q000295:instrumentation*; D018511:Systems Integration