Near-field photonics: surface plasmon polaritons and localized surface plasmons

Abstract

Surface plasmon polaritons and localized surface plasmons are discussed in the context of photonic applications. Near-field imaging of scattering, reflection, interference and localization of surface polaritons is reviewed, and approaches for the implementation of elements of surface polariton optics are presented. Surface plasmon polaritonic crystals and their role in the determination of optical properties of periodically nanostructured metal films are described. Non-linear effects related to surface polaritons and localized surface plasmons allowing control of optical properties of nanostructured metal films with light are discussed. Surface plasmon optics opens up numerous possibilities for application of these intrinsically two-dimensional excitations in passive and active devices of all-optical integrated circuits.