Transmission and focusing of light in one-dimensional periodically nanostructured metals

Abstract

In this paper we show how the optical properties of a metallic film can be tailored by one-dimensional periodically nanostructuring it which, in turn modifies the surface plasmon properties. The interaction of light with the surface plasmons can be used for two apparently opposite effects: trapping incident radiation into small volumes (in reflection gratings) and transmitting light very efficiently (in transmission gratings). A physical picture of the mechanisms involved, as well as dependences of the transmission and reflection spectra on wavelength, absorption and geometrical parameters of the grating, are provided.