arXiv · 1304.2403
Strong Asymmetric Surface Plasmon Polariton Emission by a Dipole Emitter near a Metal Surface
Abstract
We show that the surface plasmon polariton (SPP) radiation patterns of point-dipole emitters in the vicinity of a metal-dielectric interface are generally asymmetric with respect to the location of the emitter. In particular rotating dipoles, which emit elliptically polarized light, produce highly asymmetric SPP radiation fields that include unidirectional emission. Asymmetric SPP radiation patterns also result when a dipole oscillates tilted with respect to the plane of the interface and optical losses or gains are present in the materials. These effects can be used to directionally control SPP emission and absorption, as well as to study emission and scattering processes close to metal-dielectric interfaces. Possible implementations of asymmetrically emitting SPP sources are discussed.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
J. P. Balthasar Mueller, Federico Capasso. 2013-11-06. Strong Asymmetric Surface Plasmon Polariton Emission by a Dipole Emitter near a Metal Surface. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.88.121410
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.