Daniel Wintz

Controlled steering of Cherenkov surface plasmon wakes with a one-dimensional metamaterial.

In the Cherenkov effect a charged particle moving with a velocity faster than the phase velocity of light in the medium radiates light that forms a cone with a half angle determined by the ratio of the two speeds. In this paper, we show that by creating a running wave of polarization along a one dimensional metallic nanostructure consisting of subwavelength spaced rotated apertures that propagates faster than the surface plasmon polariton phase velocity, we can generate surface plasmon wakes, which are the two-dimensional analogue of Cherenkov radiation. The running wave of polarization travels with a speed determined by the angle of incidence and the photon spin angular momentum. We utilize this running wave of polarization to demonstrate controlled steering of the wakes by changing both the angle of incidence and the polarization of light, which we measure through near-field scanning optical microscopy.

Holographic Metalens for Switchable Focusing of Surface Plasmons

Surface plasmons polaritons (SPPs) are light-like waves confined to the interface between a metal and a dielectric. Excitation and control of these modes requires components such as couplers and lenses. We present the design of a new lens based on holographic principles. The key feature is the ability to switchably control SPP focusing by changing either the incident wavelength or polarization. Using phase-sensitive near-field imaging of the surface plasmon wavefronts, we have observed their switchable focusing and steering as the wavelength or polarization is changed.

Anisotropic Surface Plasmon Polariton Generation Using Bimodal V-Antenna Based Metastructures

V-shaped nanoantennas are among the popular choices for the unit element of a metasurface, a nanostructured surface used for its ability to mold and control the wavefront of light. In general, the motivation for choosing the V-antenna as the unit element comes from its bimodal nature, where the introduction of the second mode offers extra control over the scattered wavefronts. Here, through near-field scanning optical microscopy, we study a 1D metastructure comprised of V-antennas in the context of generating asymmetric surface plasmon polariton (SPP) wavefronts. The key point is that the use of the V-antenna allows for the creation of a two-dimensional phase gradient with a single line of antennas, where the extra phase dimension offers additional control and allows for asymmetric features. Two different asymmetries are created: (1) SPP wavefronts that have different propagation directions on either side of the metastructure, and (2) SPP wavefront asymmetry through focusing: one side of the metastructure...

Asymmetric surface plasmon wake generation with a metastructure

2D phase gradients can be achieved from a 1D array of V-apertures. We exploit this degree of freedom, engineering asymmetric surface plasmon wakes whose wavefronts can be controlled arbitrarily and characterize them via near-field microscopy.

Controlled steering of Cherenkov surface plasmon wakes with a one-dimensional metamaterial

In the Cherenkov effect a charged particle moving with a velocity faster than the phase velocity of light in the medium radiates light that forms a cone with a half angle determined by the ratio of the two speeds. In this paper, we show that by creating a running wave of polarization along a one dimensional metallic nanostructure consisting of subwavelength spaced rotated apertures that propagates faster than the surface plasmon polariton phase velocity, we can generate surface plasmon wakes, which are the two-dimensional analogue of Cherenkov radiation. The running wave of polarization travels with a speed determined by the angle of incidence and the photon spin angular momentum. We utilize this running wave of polarization to demonstrate controlled steering of the wakes by changing both the angle of incidence and the polarization of light, which we measure through near-field scanning optical microscopy.

Metagratings for tunable unidirectional steering and focusing of surface plasmons (Presentation Recording)

In this paper, we present new results on the controlled directional steering and focusing of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) via 1D and 2 D metagratings by changing the angle of incidence, the incident wavelength and polarization. These findings build on previous work of our group on polarization controlled steering of SPPS using fishbone meta gratings and greatly expand on the functionality of the latter using novel designs. First we show that by creating a running wave of polarization along a one dimensional metallic metagrating consisting of subwavelength spaced rotated apertures that propagates faster than the SPP phase velocity, we can generate surface plasmon wakes, which are the two-dimensional analogue of Cherenkov radiation. The running wave of polarization travels with a speed determined by the angle of incidence and the photon spin angular momentum. We utilize this running wave of polarization to demonstrate controlled steering of the wakes by changing both the angle of incidence and the polarization of light, which we measure through near-field scanning optical microscopy. Next we report a simple 2D metagrating design strategy that can be used for focusing, polarization beam splitting, waveguide coupling, and even phase control at the focus of an SPP beam. We experimentally verify our 2D metasurface by creating a four wavelength plasmonic demultiplexer, which also has polarization selectivity (on/off). The wavelength demultiplexer is designed such that each of the four wavelengths is focused to a different spot outside of the structure. Coupling of free space light to SPPs is achieved by milling subwavelength apertures into a thin gold film. This methodology can be easily extended to any wavelength where SPPs exist, for an arbitrary number of wavelengths, and with polarization selectivity and phase control at the focus as well.