The mechanism of the polarization dependence of the optical transmission in subwavelength metal hole arrays

TL;DR

This paper explores the polarization-dependent optical transmission in subwavelength metal hole arrays, revealing the roles of individual holes and inter-hole interactions mediated by surface plasmon polaritons.

Contribution

It introduces a simple calculation method for total transmissivity considering single-hole and inter-hole effects, advancing understanding of polarization dependence in these structures.

Findings

Transmission strength depends on polarization direction.

Interplay between adjacent holes affects transmission.

A new calculation method for transmissivity is proposed.

Abstract

We investigate the mechanism of extraordinary optical transmission in subwave-length metal hole arrays. Experimental results for the arrays consisting of square or rectangle holes are well explained about the dependence of transmission strength on the polarization direction of the incident light. This polarization dependence occurs in each single-hole. For a hole array, there is in addition an interplay between the adjacent holes which is caused by the transverse magnetic field of surface plasmon polariton on the metal film surfaces. Based on the detailed study of a single-hole and two-hole structures, a simple method to calculate the total tranmissivity of hole arrays is proposed.