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Experimental demonstration of low-loss optical waveguiding at deep sub-wavelength scales

Author

Listed:
  • Volker J. Sorger

    (NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, 3112 Etcheverry Hall, University of California)

  • Ziliang Ye

    (NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, 3112 Etcheverry Hall, University of California)

  • Rupert F. Oulton

    (NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, 3112 Etcheverry Hall, University of California)

  • Yuan Wang

    (NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, 3112 Etcheverry Hall, University of California)

  • Guy Bartal

    (NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, 3112 Etcheverry Hall, University of California)

  • Xiaobo Yin

    (NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, 3112 Etcheverry Hall, University of California)

  • Xiang Zhang

    (NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, 3112 Etcheverry Hall, University of California
    Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

Abstract

Emerging communication applications call for a road map towards nanoscale photonic components and systems. Although metal-based nanostructures theoretically offer a solution to enable nanoscale photonics, the key demonstration of optical modes with deep sub-diffraction-limited confinement and significant propagation distances has not been experimentally achieved because of the trade-off between optical confinement and metallic losses. Here we report the first experimental demonstration of truly nanoscale guided waves in a metal– insulator–semiconductor device featuring low-loss and broadband operation. Near-field scanning optical microscopy reveals mode sizes down to 50×60 nm2 at visible and near-infrared wavelengths propagating more than 20 times the vacuum wavelength. Interference spectroscopy confirms that the optical mode hybridization between a surface plasmon and a dielectric mode concentrates the hybridized mode inside a nanometre thin gap. This nanoscale waveguide holds promise for next generation on-chip optical communication systems that integrate light sources, modulators or switches, nonlinear and quantum optics.

Suggested Citation

  • Volker J. Sorger & Ziliang Ye & Rupert F. Oulton & Yuan Wang & Guy Bartal & Xiaobo Yin & Xiang Zhang, 2011. "Experimental demonstration of low-loss optical waveguiding at deep sub-wavelength scales," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 2(1), pages 1-5, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:2:y:2011:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms1315
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1315
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