Laser-fabricated dielectric optical components for surface plasmon polaritons.

Fabrication of dielectric optical components for surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) by two-photon polymerization (2PP) is studied. This direct-write femtosecond laser technology provides a low-cost and flexible method for the fabrication and investigation of plasmonic structures and optical components. Using the 2PP technique, we fabricated narrow dielectric ridges with dimensions as small as 150 nm on metal surfaces.

Near-field imaging of surface plasmon-polariton guiding in band gap structures at telecom wavelengths.

Using a collection near-field microscope, we image interaction of surface plasmon-polaritons (SPPs) excited locally at telecom wavelengths with periodic triangular arrays of gold bumps placed on gold film surfaces. We observe the inhibition of SPP propagation into the arrays within a certain wavelength range depending on their period and orientation, i.e.