Advanced analytical method based on Green's theorem for light transmission through subwavelength structures of multiple configurations in metal films

TL;DR

This paper introduces an advanced real-space analytical method based on Green's theorem for analyzing light transmission through complex, multi-layered subwavelength structures in metal films, offering improved clarity and accuracy over traditional Fourier-based methods.

Contribution

The paper develops a new Green's function for asymmetric waveguide modes, enabling straightforward analysis of complex multi-layered configurations in real space.

Findings

Accurate analysis of multi-layered hybrid structures

Simplified coupling physics in real space

Enhanced interpretability of wave interactions

Abstract

Nowadays, methods for analyzing light transmission through subwavelength structures are typically based on the mode expansion with Fourier series. However, these methods require sophisticated techniques and the solutions are in $k$-space, where the coupling physics that associates the boundary field in real space and the structure geometry becomes obscure. Moreover, the typical methods for the analysis of multi-layered hybrid configurations can be exhaustive due to the complex mode couplings at the interfaces of the layers. In contrast, an early method can analyze the single-slit transmission for solutions entirely in real space [F. L. Neerhoff and G. Mur, Appl. Sci. Res. 28, 73 (1973)] by rigorously formulating the field based on Green's theorem and obtaining two types of the Green's function for the cylindrical wave mode in free space and the symmetric waveguide modes inside the slit, respectively. In this article, we advance the method by developing a new type of Green's function for the asymmetric waveguide modes inside a groove. Since these wave modes are independent in real space, the coupling physics from the method becomes straightforward and the solutions are intuitive. With this meticulous method, we show that complex and multi-layered hybrid configurations can be easily analyzed with excellent accuracy. In addition, the method demonstrates the capability of translating the wave interaction problems to analytical physical models for further interpretation and study.