Negative group velocity of surface plasmons on thin metallic films

Yongmin Liu, David F P Pile, Zhaowei Liu, Dongmin Wu, Cheng Sun, Xiang Zhang*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

By tailoring the dispersion curve of surface plasmons (SPs) of a thin metallic film surrounded by dielectric half-spaces, it is shown that the group velocity of the symmetric mode is always positive, while the group velocity of the anti-symmetric mode can be negative. Consequently, the forward and backward propagation of SPs, in which the energy flow is respectively parallel or antiparallel to the wave vector, can be realized. The physical origin of the intriguing backward SPs is given. Furthermore, schemes for the negative refraction and imaging of SPs are proposed by incorporating two plasmon modes with group velocities of opposite signs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPlasmonics
Subtitle of host publicationMetallic Nanostructures and their Optical Properties IV
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006
EventPlasmonics: Metallic Nanostructures and their Optical Properties IV - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Aug 13 2006Aug 16 2006

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume6323
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherPlasmonics: Metallic Nanostructures and their Optical Properties IV
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period8/13/068/16/06

Keywords

  • Negative group velocity
  • Negative refraction
  • Surface plasmon
  • Thin film

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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