Modal analysis of extraordinary transmission through an array of subwavelength slits

Abstract

Using eigen-modes of a one-dimensional array of slits together with a mode matching technique, we investigate the extraordinary transmission through a subwavelength grating. The analysis serves to determine the contribution of various transmission mechanisms to the overall transmission. It is shown that surface plasmon polaritons excited on the input interface of the grating at certain wavelengths can absorb the incident power and thus reduce the total transmitted power. We also examine the characteristics of the different types of modes involved in the transmission through a metallic grating.