Experimental demonstration of low-loss optical waveguiding at deep sub-wavelength scales

Volker J. Sorger, Ziliang Ye, Rupert F. Oulton, Yuan Wang, Guy Bartal, Xiaobo Yin and Xiang Zhang ()
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Volker J. Sorger: NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, 3112 Etcheverry Hall, University of California
Ziliang Ye: NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, 3112 Etcheverry Hall, University of California
Rupert F. Oulton: NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, 3112 Etcheverry Hall, University of California
Yuan Wang: NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, 3112 Etcheverry Hall, University of California
Guy Bartal: NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, 3112 Etcheverry Hall, University of California
Xiaobo Yin: NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, 3112 Etcheverry Hall, University of California
Xiang Zhang: NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, 3112 Etcheverry Hall, University of California

Nature Communications, 2011, vol. 2, issue 1, 1-5

Abstract: Abstract Emerging communication applications call for a road map towards nanoscale photonic components and systems. Although metal-based nanostructures theoretically offer a solution to enable nanoscale photonics, the key demonstration of optical modes with deep sub-diffraction-limited confinement and significant propagation distances has not been experimentally achieved because of the trade-off between optical confinement and metallic losses. Here we report the first experimental demonstration of truly nanoscale guided waves in a metal– insulator–semiconductor device featuring low-loss and broadband operation. Near-field scanning optical microscopy reveals mode sizes down to 50×60 nm2 at visible and near-infrared wavelengths propagating more than 20 times the vacuum wavelength. Interference spectroscopy confirms that the optical mode hybridization between a surface plasmon and a dielectric mode concentrates the hybridized mode inside a nanometre thin gap. This nanoscale waveguide holds promise for next generation on-chip optical communication systems that integrate light sources, modulators or switches, nonlinear and quantum optics.

Date: 2011
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1315

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