Electron-induced limitation of surface plasmon propagation in silver nanowires

TL;DR

This study explores how electron flow impacts surface plasmon propagation in silver nanowires, revealing limitations in plasmonic circuitry for integrated nano-optical devices.

Contribution

It provides experimental insights into the interference between electrical current and surface plasmons in silver nanowires, highlighting key limiting factors.

Findings

Electron flow hampers surface plasmon propagation.

Identified specific limiting factors in plasmonic circuits.

Demonstrated the interference effects in single nanowires.

Abstract

Plasmonic circuitry is considered as a promising solution-effective technology for miniaturizing and integrating the next generation of optical nano-devices. A key element is the shared metal network between electrical and optical information enabling an efficient hetero-integration of an electronic control layer and a plasmonic data link. Here, we investigate to what extend surface plasmons and current-carrying electrons interfere in such a shared circuitry. By synchronously recording surface plasmon propagation and electrical output characteristics of single chemically-synthesized silver nanowires we determine the limiting factors hindering the co-propagation of electrical current and surface plasmons in these nanoscale circuits.