Optical properties of a nanosized hole in a thin metallic film

ACS Nano. 2008 Jan;2(1):25-32. doi: 10.1021/nn700292y.

Abstract

Subwavelength holes are one of the most important structures in nanophotonics, providing a useful geometry for nanosensing and giving rise to extraordinary transmission when patterned in arrays. Here we theoretically and experimentally examine the optical properties of an individual nanohole in a thin metallic film. In contrast to localized plasmonic nanostructures with their own characteristic resonances, nanoholes provide a site for excitation of the underlying thin film surface plasmons. We show that both hole diameter and film thickness determine the energy of the optical resonance. A theoretical dispersion curve was obtained and verified using spectral measurements of individual nanoholes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.