Proposal for a Self-Excited Electrically Driven Surface Plasmon Polariton Generator

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel surface plasmon polariton generator that operates without stimulated emission, using positive feedback from a reflective surface and a nanocavity with metal nanoparticles, driven by a constant voltage.

Contribution

It presents a new design for an SPP generator that does not rely on stimulated emission, expanding the potential for plasmonic device applications.

Findings

The generator can produce SPPs without stimulated emission.

Steady-state operation is achievable with a moderate voltage.

The design includes a nanocavity with metal nanoparticles and a reflective surface.

Abstract

We propose a generator of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) which, unlike spasers or plasmon lasers, does not require stimulated emission in the system. Its principle of operation is based on a positive feedback which a classical oscillating dipole experiences from a reflective surface located in its near field. The generator design includes a nanocavity between two metal surfaces which contains metal nanoparticles in its interior. The whole structure is placed onto a prism surface that allows one to detect the generated SPPs in the Kretschmann configuration. The generation process is driven by a moderate constant voltage applied between the metal covers of the cavity. Both the generation criterion and the steady-state operation of the generator are discussed.