Molecule–Surface Plasmon Interactions in Hole Arrays: Enhanced Absorption, Refractive Index Changes, and All‐Optical Switching

Abstract

Enhanced molecular absorption of dyes in the visible range, mediated by surface plasmon excitations on metallic hole arrays, is reported. The combination of these structures with a photochromic cover layer can be used to create an all-optical switching system, essential for the development of active plasmonic devices. The figure shows transmission images of the coated hole array before (left) and after (right) UV irradiation.