Intergrated optics based on long-range surface plasmon polaritons

Abstract

The bound optical modes propagating along a metal film of thickness t and width w embedded in an optically infinite homogeneous background dielectric, as shown in cross-sectional view as the inset to Fig. 15.1, have recently been computed and discussed. As pointed out in Ref. 2, this structure can be used as the foundation waveguide for a new integrated optics technology, due to the convergence of some desirable attributes, including of course, the ability of the waveguide to provide confinement along both dimensions transverse to the direction of propagation. This waveguide and the passive integrated optics technology that emerges from its use are the subjects of this chapter. © 2007 Springer.