A. Degiron

Bio: A. Degiron is an academic researcher from Louis Pasteur University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Photonics & Extraordinary optical transmission. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 9 publications receiving 3540 citations.

Beaming light from a subwavelength aperture.

Abstract: Light usually diffracts in all directions when it emerges from a subwavelength aperture, which puts a lower limit on the size of features that can be used in photonics. This limitation can be overcome by creating a periodic texture on the exit side of a single aperture in a metal film. The transmitted light emerges from the aperture as a beam with a small angular divergence (approximately ±3°) whose directionality can be controlled. This finding is especially surprising, considering that the radiating region is mainly confined to an area with lateral dimensions comparable to the wavelength of the light. The device occupies no more than one cubic micrometer and, when combined with enhanced transmission, suggests that a wide range of photonic applications is possible.

Theory of highly directional emission from a single subwavelength aperture surrounded by surface corrugations.

Abstract: We present a theoretical foundation for the beaming of light displayed by a single subwavelength aperture in an appropriately corrugated metal film [H. J. Lezec et al., Science 297, 820 (2002)]. Good agreement is found between calculations and experimental data. We show that beaming is due to the formation of electromagnetic surface resonances and that the beam direction, width, and wavelength at which it occurs can be selected by tuning geometrical parameters of the structure.

The role of localized surface plasmon modes in the enhanced transmission of periodic subwavelength apertures

Abstract: After reviewing the present understanding of the transmission properties of single apertures and the enhanced transmission through hole arrays, experimental results are presented which show how localized surface plasmon (LSP) modes of individual apertures contribute to the transmission peaks associated with the periodic arrays. In particular, it is shown that the surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) of the periodic structure dominate the spectral signature of the arrays. The results also indicate that the LSP of each hole can interact and that this can be controlled by appropriate arrangement of the apertures in the array.

Effects of hole depth on enhanced light transmission through subwavelength hole arrays

Abstract: We studied the role of the aperture depth on the enhanced transmission of light through subwavelength holes in free-standing Ag films by measuring the transmission properties of square arrays of cylindrical holes. Two regimes are found which give insight into the transmission mechanism and will be of importance for device applications.

Surface plasmon subwavelength optics

Abstract: Surface plasmons are waves that propagate along the surface of a conductor. By altering the structure of a metal's surface, the properties of surface plasmons--in particular their interaction with light--can be tailored, which offers the potential for developing new types of photonic device. This could lead to miniaturized photonic circuits with length scales that are much smaller than those currently achieved. Surface plasmons are being explored for their potential in subwavelength optics, data storage, light generation, microscopy and bio-photonics.

Plasmonics: Fundamentals and Applications

Abstract: Fundamentals of Plasmonics.- Electromagnetics of Metals.- Surface Plasmon Polaritons at Metal / Insulator Interfaces.- Excitation of Surface Plasmon Polaritons at Planar Interfaces.- Imaging Surface Plasmon Polariton Propagation.- Localized Surface Plasmons.- Electromagnetic Surface Modes at Low Frequencies.- Applications.- Plasmon Waveguides.- Transmission of Radiation Through Apertures and Films.- Enhancement of Emissive Processes and Nonlinearities.- Spectroscopy and Sensing.- Metamaterials and Imaging with Surface Plasmon Polaritons.- Concluding Remarks.

Plasmonics: merging photonics and electronics at nanoscale dimensions.

Abstract: Electronic circuits provide us with the ability to control the transport and storage of electrons. However, the performance of electronic circuits is now becoming rather limited when digital information needs to be sent from one point to another. Photonics offers an effective solution to this problem by implementing optical communication systems based on optical fibers and photonic circuits. Unfortunately, the micrometer-scale bulky components of photonics have limited the integration of these components into electronic chips, which are now measured in nanometers. Surface plasmon-based circuits, which merge electronics and photonics at the nanoscale, may offer a solution to this size-compatibility problem. Here we review the current status and future prospects of plasmonics in various applications including plasmonic chips, light generation, and nanolithography.

Principles of nano-optics

Abstract: 1. Introduction 2. Theoretical foundations 3. Propagation and focusing of optical fields 4. Spatial resolution and position accuracy 5. Nanoscale optical microscopy 6. Near-field optical probes 7. Probe-sample distance control 8. Light emission and optical interaction in nanoscale environments 9. Quantum emitters 10. Dipole emission near planar interfaces 11. Photonic crystals and resonators 12. Surface plasmons 13. Forces in confined fields 14. Fluctuation-induced phenomena 15. Theoretical methods in nano-optics Appendices Index.

Sub-Diffraction-Limited Optical Imaging with a Silver Superlens

Abstract: Recent theory has predicted a superlens that is capable of producing sub–diffraction-limited images. This superlens would allow the recovery of evanescent waves in an image via the excitation of surface plasmons. Using silver as a natural optical superlens, we demonstrated sub–diffraction-limited imaging with 60-nanometer half-pitch resolution, or one-sixth of the illumination wavelength. By proper design of the working wavelength and the thickness of silver that allows access to a broad spectrum of subwavelength features, we also showed that arbitrary nanostructures can be imaged with good fidelity. The optical superlens promises exciting avenues to nanoscale optical imaging and ultrasmall optoelectronic devices.