<i>Colloquium</i>: Light scattering by particle and hole arrays

TLDR

The colloquium reviews key nanophotonics advances such as extraordinary optical transmission, surface plasmon modes, resonant absorption/emission, and invisibility in structured metals. The colloquium aims to analyze how light interacts with two‑dimensional periodic arrays of particles and holes. The authors review key discoveries, present a simple tutorial model that captures the essential physics, compare it with more elaborate calculations, and contrast hole arrays in plasmon‑supporting metals with perforated perfect conductors to assess plasmon roles.

Abstract

This Colloquium analyzes the interaction of light with two-dimensional periodic arrays of particles and holes. The enhanced optical transmission observed in the latter and the presence of surface modes in patterned metal surfaces is thoroughly discussed. A review of the most significant discoveries in this area is presented first. A simple tutorial model is then formulated to capture the essential physics involved in these phenomena, while allowing analytical derivations that provide deeper insight. Comparison with more elaborated calculations is offered as well. Finally, hole arrays in plasmon-supporting metals are compared to perforated perfect conductors, thus assessing the role of plasmons in these types of structures through analytical considerations. The developments that have been made in nanophotonics areas related to plasmons in nanostructures, extraordinary optical transmission in hole arrays, complete resonant absorption and emission of light, and invisibility in structured metals are illustrated in this Colloquium in a comprehensive, tutorial fashion.