Paper 13111-3
Paper 13111-3
Wavelength-dependent optical switching by plasmonic modal interference (Invited Paper)
18 August 2024 • 9:40 AM - 10:05 AM PDT | Conv. Ctr. Room 4
Abstract
Investigating the optical response of plasmonic structures requires sub-diffraction limit imaging systems. Photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) overcomes this limit and allows us to investigate light-matter interactions leading to advances in fundamental research and applications. In PEEM, surface plasmons are excited at the metal dielectric interface by light, and the near-field photoelectron distribution is imaged with <40 nm resolution. A femtosecond tunable wavelength light source in combination with PEEM allows us to perform near-field spectroscopy. Here we design and experimentally demonstrate an optical switch based on the interference of plasmonic modes in whispering gallery mode (WGM) antennas. Varying the wavelength over a short range results in plasmonic modal interference that changes the near-field distribution to be located at opposite side of the antenna. This switching effect could advance applications in minitaturization of optical switching devices, routing in integrated plasmonic nanocircuitry, quantum information processing and biosensing with plasmonic nanosensors.
Presenter
Waterford Institute of Technology (Ireland)
Dr. Deirdre Kilbane is the Director of Research in Walton Institute for Information and Communication Systems Science in the South East Technological University, Ireland. Walton Institute focuses on investigating futuristic next-generation technologies, combining cutting edge ICT research and innovation to provide real world commercial applications for the benefit of society. Deirdre has a PhD in Quantum Physics and performed research on ultrafast plasmonics as a Marie Curie Fellow with Professor Martin Aeschlimann in the University of Kaiserslautern Germany. She is a Principal Investigator in the SFI Research Centre CONNECT (for Future Networks & Communications. Deirdre is leading the ‘IrelandQCI’ project on behalf of CONNECT, to develop a national quantum communication infrastructure funded through the EuroQCI Initiative (DIGITAL Europe Programme and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications).