From localized to delocalized plasmonic modes, first observation of superradiant scattering in disordered semi-continuous metal films.

Our study proposes a new way to observe and explain the presence of extended plasmonic modes in disordered semi-continuous metal films before the percolation threshold. Attenuated total reflection spectroscopy allows us to follow the transition of plasmon modes from localized to delocalized resonances, but also reveals unobserved collective plasmon modes. These bright modes with out-of-plane polarization are transverse collective plasmonic resonances.

Electromigrated electrical optical antennas for transducing electrons and photons at the nanoscale.

Electrically controlled optical metal antennas are an emerging class of nanodevices enabling a bilateral transduction between electrons and photons. At the heart of the device is a tunnel junction that may either emit light upon injection of electrons or generate an electrical current when excited by a light wave. The current study explores a technological route for producing these functional units based upon the electromigration of metal constrictions.

Launching propagating surface plasmon polaritons by a single carbon nanotube dipolar emitter.

We report on the excitation of propagating surface plasmon polaritons in thin metal films by a single emitter. Upon excitation in the visible regime, individual semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes are shown to act as directional near-infrared point dipole sources launching propagating surface plasmons mainly along the direction of the nanotube axis. Plasmon excitation and propagation is monitored in Fourier and real space by leakage radiation microscopy and is modeled by rigorous theoretical calculations.

Excitation of a one-dimensional evanescent wave by conical edge diffraction of surface plasmon.

The experimental observation of a one-dimensional evanescent wave supported by a 90◦ metal edge is reported. Through a measurement of in-plane momenta, we clearly demonstrate the dimensional character of this surface wave and show that it is non-radiative in the superstrate. Excitation conditions, lateral extension and polarization properties of this wave are discussed.

Leakage radiation microscopy of surface plasmon coupled emission: investigation of gain-assisted propagation in an integrated plasmonic waveguide.

Using a single-mode dielectric-loaded surface plasmon polariton waveguide doped with quantum dots, we were able to slightly increase the propagation length of the mode by stimulated emission of plasmon. We analyse the amplification phenomenon in the visible range by combining leakage radiation microscopy and surface plasmon coupled emission techniques.