Three-dimensional plasmonic nanofocusing.
We demonstrate three-dimensional plasmonic nanofocusing of light with patterned metallic pyramids obtained via template stripping. Gratings on the faces of these pyramids convert linearly polarized light into plasmons that propagate toward and converge at a approximately 10 nm apex. Experiments and computer simulations confirm that optical energy is focused into a nanoscale volume (5 x 10(-5) wavelength(3)). Because these structures are easily and reproducibly fabricated, our results could benefit many applications, including imaging, sensing, lithography, and nonlinear spectroscopy.
Lindquist
Nathan C
NC
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
Nagpal
Prashant
P
Lesuffleur
Antoine
A
Norris
David J
DJ
Oh
Sang-Hyun
SH
D003198:Computer Simulation; D008027:Light; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D020349:Surface Plasmon Resonance / Q000295:instrumentation*