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Optics Express

Optics Express

  • Editor: C. Martijn de Sterke
  • Vol. 15, Iss. 13 — Jun. 25, 2007
  • pp: 7984–7993

Optics InfoBase > Optics Express > Volume 15 > Issue 13 > Page 7984

Interference and resonant cavity effects explain enhanced transmission through subwavelength apertures in thin metal films

P. D. Flammer, I. C. Schick, R. T. Collins, and R. E. Hollingsworth  »View Author Affiliations


Optics Express, Vol. 15, Issue 13, pp. 7984-7993 (2007)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OE.15.007984


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Abstract

Transmission through an opaque Au film with a single subwavelength aperture centered in a smooth cavity between linear grating structures is studied experimentally and with a finite element model. The model is in good agreement with measured results and is used to investigate local field behavior. It shows that a surface plasmon polariton (SPP) is launched along the metal surface, while interference of the SPP with the incident light along with resonant cavity effects give rise to suppression and enhancement in transmission. Based on experimental and modeling results, peak location and structure of the enhancement/suppression bands are explained analytically, confirming the primary role of SPPs in enhanced transmission through small apertures in opaque metal films.

© 2007 Optical Society of America

OCIS Codes
(050.1220) Diffraction and gratings : Apertures
(240.6680) Optics at surfaces : Surface plasmons

ToC Category:
Optics at Surfaces

History
Original Manuscript: March 5, 2007
Revised Manuscript: April 26, 2007
Manuscript Accepted: April 27, 2007
Published: June 12, 2007

Citation
P. D. Flammer, I. C. Schick, R. T. Collins, and R. E. Hollingsworth, "Interference and resonant cavity effects explain enhanced transmission through subwavelength apertures in thin metal films," Opt. Express 15, 7984-7993 (2007)
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/abstract.cfm?URI=oe-15-13-7984


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