Martijn C. Schaafsma

Universal scaling of the figure of merit of plasmonic sensors

We demonstrate an improvement by more than 1 order of magnitude of the figure of merit (FoM) of plasmonic nanoparticle sensors by means of the diffractive coupling of localized surface plasmon resonances. The coupling in arrays of nanoparticles leads to Fano resonances with narrow line widths known as surface lattice resonances, which are very suitable for the sensitive detection of small changes in the refractive index of the surroundings. We focus on the sensitivity to the bulk refractive index and find that the sensor FoM scales solely with the frequency difference between the surface lattice resonance and the diffracted order grazing to the surface of the array. This result, which can be extended to other systems with coupled resonances, enables the design of plasmonic sensors with a high FoM over broad spectral ranges with unprecedented accuracy.

Collective resonances in plasmonic crystals : size matters

Abstract Periodic arrays of metallic nanoparticles may sustain surface lattice resonances (SLRs), which are collective resonances associated with the diffractive coupling of localized surface plasmons resonances (LSPRs). By investigating a series of arrays with varying number of particles, we traced the evolution of SLRs to its origins. Polarization resolved extinction spectra of arrays formed by a few nanoparticles were measured, and found to be in very good agreement with calculations based on a coupled dipole model. Finite size effects on the optical properties of the arrays are observed, and our results provide insight into the characteristic length scales for collective plasmonic effects: for arrays smaller than ∼ 5 × 5 particles, the Q-factors of SLRs are lower than those of LSPRs; for arrays larger than ∼ 20 × 20 particles, the Q-factors of SLRs saturate at a much larger value than those of LSPRs; in between, the Q-factors of SLRs are an increasing function of the number of particles in the array.

Selective detection of bacterial layers with terahertz plasmonic antennas

Current detection and identification of micro-organisms is based on either rather unspecific rapid microscopy or on more accurate but complex and time-consuming procedures. In a medical context, the determination of the bacteria Gram type is of significant interest. The diagnostic of microbial infection often requires the identification of the microbiological agent responsible for the infection, or at least the identification of its family (Gram type), in a matter of minutes. In this work, we propose to use terahertz frequency range antennas for the enhanced selective detection of bacteria types. Several microorganisms are investigated by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy: a fast, contactless and damage-free investigation method to gain information on the presence and the nature of the microorganisms. We demonstrate that plasmonic antennas enhance the detection sensitivity for bacterial layers and allow the selective recognition of the Gram type of the bacteria.

Active terahertz beam steering by photo-generated graded index gratings in thin semiconductor films

We demonstrate active beam steering of terahertz radiation using a photo-excited thin layer of gallium arsenide. A constant gradient of phase discontinuity along the interface is introduced by an spatially inhomogeneous density of free charge carriers that are photo-generated in the GaAs with an optical pump. The optical pump has been spatially modulated to form the shape of a planar blazed grating. The phase gradient leads to an asymmetry between the +1 and -1 transmission diffracted orders of more than a factor two. Optimization of the grating structure can lead to an asymmetry of more than one order of magnitude. Similar to metasurfaces made of plasmonic antennas, the photo-generated grating is a planar structure that can achieve large beam steering efficiency. Moreover, the photo-generation of such structures provides a platform for active THz beam steering.

Enhanced terahertz extinction of single plasmonic antennas with conically tapered waveguides

We demonstrate experimentally the resonant extinction of terahertz (THz) radiation by a single plasmonic bowtie antenna, formed by two n-doped Si monomers with a triangular shape and facing apexes. This demonstration is achieved by placing the antenna at the output aperture of a conically tapered waveguide, which enhances the intensity of the incident THz field at the antenna position by a factor of 10. The waveguide also suppresses the background radiation that is otherwise transmitted without being scattered by the antenna. Bowtie antennas, supporting localized surface plasmons, are relevant due to their ability to resonantly enhance the field intensity at the gap separating the two triangular elements. This gap has subwavelength dimensions, which allows the concentration of THz radiation beyond the diffraction limit. The combination of a bowtie plasmonic antenna and a conical waveguide may serve as a platform for far-field THz time-domain spectroscopy of single nanostructures placed in the gap.

Semiconductor plasmonic crystals: active control of THz extinction

We study the scattering, absorption and extinction of THz radiation by 2D plasmonic crystals formed by periodic arrays of semiconductor particles. The particles sustain localized surface plasmon resonances that can couple to diffracted orders of the array giving rise to hybrid plasmonic-photonic modes. These modes exhibit extraordinary extinction and narrow line widths. The coupling strength and, consequently, the extinction can be actively tuned by changing the carrier concentration in the semiconductor, which is achieved by optical pumping.

Enhanced THz extinction in arrays of resonant semiconductor particles

We demonstrate experimentally the enhanced THz extinction by periodic arrays of resonant semiconductor particles. This phenomenon is explained in terms of the radiative coupling of localized resonances with diffractive orders in the plane of the array (Rayleigh anomalies). The experimental results are described by numerical calculations using a coupled dipole model and by Finite-Difference in Time-Domain simulations. An optimum particle size for enhancing the extinction efficiency of the array is found. This optimum is determined by the frequency detuning between the localized resonances in the individual particles and the Rayleigh anomaly. The extinction calculations and measurements are also compared to near-field simulations illustrating the optimum particle size for the enhancement of the near-field.

Ultrafast Active Control of Plasmonic Resonances at THz Frequencies

Semiconductors are promising materials for THz plasmonics. They acquire metallic behavior when sufficient free carriers are present. Plasmonic structures fabricated out of these semiconductor materials can sustain localized surface plasmon polaritons (LSPPs). The plasmonic behavior of such structures is determined by both their geometry and dielectric properties. The carrier density – hence the plasmonic behavior – can be actively controlled for a given geometry by optical excitation of free carriers in the semiconductor.