Spatio-temporal Modeling of Lasing Action in Core-Shell Metallic Nanoparticles.

Nanoscale laser sources based on single metallic nanoparticles (spasers) have attracted significant interest for their fundamental implications and technological potential. Here we theoretically investigate the spatio-temporal dynamics of lasing action in core-shell metallic nanoparticles that include optically pumped four-level gain media. By using detailed semiclassical simulations based on a time-domain generalization of the finite-element method, we study the evolution of the lasing dynamics when going from a spherical case to an elongated nanorod configuration. Our calculations show that there exists an optimal nanoparticle elongation that exhibits significantly improved lasing threshold and slope efficiency over those obtained for its spherical counterpart. These results are accounted for in terms of a coupled-mode theory analysis of the variation with elongation of the light confinement properties of localized surface plasmons. This work could be of importance for further development of nanoscale light sources based on localized surface plasmon resonances.

Deep-subwavelength negative-index waveguiding enabled by coupled conformal surface plasmons.

In this Letter we introduce a novel route for achieving negative-group-velocity waveguiding at deep-subwavelength scales. Our scheme is based on the strong electromagnetic coupling between two conformal surface plasmon structures. Using symmetry arguments and detailed numerical simulations, we show that the coupled system can be geometrically tailored to yield negative-index dispersion. A high degree of subwavelength modal confinement, of λ/10 in the transversal dimensions, is also demonstrated. These results can assist in the development of ultrathin surface circuitry for the low-frequency region (microwave and terahertz regimes) of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Quantum emitters near a metal nanoparticle: strong coupling and quenching.

We investigate the interplay between quenching and strong coupling in systems that include a collection of quantum emitters interacting with a metal nanoparticle. By using detailed numerical simulations and analytical modeling, we demonstrate that quantum emitters can exhibit strong coupling with the particle dipole resonance at distances at which the quenching to nonradiative channels is expected to dominate the dynamics. These results can be accounted for in terms of the pseudomode character of the higher multipole modes of the nanoparticle and the corresponding reduction of the induced loss rate. These findings expand the current understanding of light-matter interaction in plasmonic systems and could contribute to the development of novel quantum plasmonic platforms.

Anomalous band formation in arrays of terahertz nanoresonators.

We investigate band formation in one-dimensional periodic arrays of rectangular holes which have a nanoscale width but a length of 100 µm. These holes are tailored to work as resonators in the terahertz frequency regime. We study the evolution of the electromagnetic response with the period of the array, showing that this dependence is not monotonic due to both the oscillating behavior of the coupling between holes and its long-range character.

Efficiency and finite size effects in enhanced transmission through subwavelength apertures.

We investigate transmission efficiency and finite size effects for the subwavelength hole arrays. Experiments and simulations show how the finite size effects depend strongly on the hole diameter. The transmission efficiency reaches an asymptotic upper value when the array is larger than the surface plasmon propagation length on the corrugated surface. By comparing the transmission of arrays with that of the corresponding single holes, the relative enhancement is found to increase as the hole diameter decreases. In the conditions of the experiments the enhancement is one to two orders of magnitude but there is no fundamental upper limit to this value.

Theory of extraordinary transmission of light through quasiperiodic arrays of subwavelength holes.

By using a theoretical formalism able to work in both real and k spaces, the physical origin of the phenomenon of extraordinary transmission of light through quasiperiodic arrays of holes is revealed. Long-range order present in a quasiperiodic array selects the wave vector(s) of the surface electromagnetic mode(s) that allows an efficient transmission of light through subwavelength holes.

Resonant transmission of light through finite chains of subwavelength holes in a metallic film.

In this Letter we show that the extraordinary optical transmission phenomenon found before in 2D hole arrays is already present in a linear chain of subwavelength holes, which can be considered as the basic geometrical unit showing this property. In order to study this problem, we have developed a new theoretical framework, able to analyze the optical properties of finite collections of subwavelength apertures and/or dimples (of any shape and placed in arbitrary positions) drilled in a metallic film.

Enhanced millimeter-wave transmission through subwavelength hole arrays.

We explore, both experimentally and theoretically, the existence in the millimeter-wave range of the phenomenon of extraordinary light transmission through arrays of subwavelength holes. We have measured the transmission spectra of several samples made on aluminum wafers by use of an AB Millimetre quasi-optical vector network analyzer in the wavelength range 4.2-6.5 mm. Clear signals of the existence of resonant light transmission at wavelengths close to the period of the array appear in the spectra.

Transmission properties of a single metallic slit: from the subwavelength regime to the geometrical-optics limit.

In this work we explore the transmission properties of a single slit in a metallic screen. We analyze the dependence of these properties on both slit width and angle of incident radiation. We study in detail the crossover between the subwavelength regime and the geometrical-optics limit. In the subwavelength regime, resonant transmission linked to the excitation of waveguide resonances is analyzed. Linewidth of these resonances and their associated electric-field intensities are controlled by just the width of the slit. More complex transmission spectra appear when the wavelength of light is comparable to the slit width. Rapid oscillations associated with the emergence of different propagating modes inside the slit are the main features appearing in this regime.