Critical coupling to Tamm plasmons

TL;DR

This paper investigates the critical coupling conditions for Tamm plasmons, using numerical simulations to optimize light absorption and explore asymmetric responses, with implications for various optical applications.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of critical coupling parameters for Tamm plasmons, highlighting asymmetries and design considerations for enhanced optical device performance.

Findings

Maximized absorption in the metal layer through parameter optimization

Identified asymmetric reflection and absorption responses based on incidence direction

Provided guidelines for designing Tamm structures for specific applications

Abstract

The conditions of critical coupling of light to Tamm plasmons are investigated with comprehensive numerical simulations, highlighting the parameters that maximise absorption of incident light in the metal layer. The asymmetric response in reflection and absorption with respect to the direction of incidence is discussed, the two cases yielding different optimal coupling conditions. These findings are relevant for the design of optimised Tamm structures, particularly in applications such as narrow-band thermal emitters, field-enhanced spectroscopy and refractive-index sensing.