Finite-Element Simulations of Light Propagation through Circular Subwavelength Apertures

TL;DR

This paper uses finite-element simulations to analyze light transmission through tiny circular holes in metal films, demonstrating high accuracy and agreement with experiments, and exploring how geometry affects transmission.

Contribution

It introduces a frequency-domain finite-element method for accurately simulating light propagation in subwavelength apertures, with detailed analysis of geometrical effects.

Findings

Numerical results show very low error levels.

Simulations agree well with experimental data.

Geometry significantly influences transmission efficiency.

Abstract

Light transmission through circular subwavelength apertures in metallic films with surrounding nanostructures is investigated numerically. Numerical results are obtained with a frequency-domain finite-element method. Convergence of the obtained observables to very low levels of numerical error is demonstrated. Very good agreement to experimental results from the literature is reached, and the utility of the method is demonstrated in the investigation of the influence of geometrical parameters on enhanced transmission through the apertures.