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arXiv · 1712.00291

Electric current induced unidirectional propagation of surface plasmon-polaritons

K. Y. Bliokh·F. J. Rodríguez-Fortuño·A. Y. Bekshaev·Y. S. Kivshar·F. Nori
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Abstract

Nonreciprocity and one-way propagation of optical signals is crucial for modern nanophotonic technology, and is typically achieved using magneto-optical effects requiring large magnetic biases. Here we suggest a fundamentally novel approach to achieve unidirectional propagation of surface plasmon-polaritons (SPPs) at metal-dielectric interfaces. We employ a direct electric current in metals, which produces a Doppler frequency shift of SPPs due to the uniform drift of electrons. This tilts the SPP dispersion, enabling one-way propagation, as well as zero and negative group velocities. The results are demonstrated for planar interfaces and cylindrical nanowire waveguides.

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K. Y. Bliokh, F. J. Rodríguez-Fortuño, A. Y. Bekshaev, Y. S. Kivshar, F. Nori. 2018-01-24. Electric current induced unidirectional propagation of surface plasmon-polaritons. https://doi.org/10.1364/ol.43.000963

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