Extraordinary transmission through gain-assisted silicon-based nanohole arrays in telecommunication regimes

Abstract

Extraordinary gain-assisted transmission in telecommunication regimes through circular nanohole arrays drilled on a metallic film is investigated theoretically. Silicon-compatible Er-Yb silicate, which has a photoluminescence peak in the telecommunication regime, was selected for optical amplification purposes. Geometrical parameters were optimized analytically in order to present transmission resonances at telecommunication regions. The required gain value for lossless propagation was determined by considering the surface-plasmon dispersion relation. Simulation results show that the predicted gain for lossless propagation cannot completely compensate the loss. By increasing gain value, absorption becomes zero and transmission approaches unit through a laser with a pumping power of 372 mW at 1480 nm.