Quantitative scattering theory of near-field response for 1D polaritonic structures

TL;DR

This paper develops an analytical transfer matrix-based theory to accurately simulate and interpret the near-field response of 1D polaritonic structures, improving understanding of polaritonic phenomena in near-field microscopy.

Contribution

It introduces a novel, efficient analytical scattering theory for 1D polaritonic structures, linking near-field response to physical properties.

Findings

Provides a computationally efficient simulation method

Enhances interpretation of near-field images

Extends applicability to atoms and nanoparticles near waveguides

Abstract

Scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy is a powerful imaging technique for studying materials beyond the diffraction limit. However, interpreting near-field measurements poses challenges in mapping the response of polaritonic structures to meaningful physical properties. To address this, we propose a theory based on the transfer matrix method to simulate the near-field response of 1D polaritonic structures. Our approach provides a computationally efficient and accurate analytical theory, relating the near-field response to well-defined physical properties. This work enhances the understanding of near-field images and complex polaritonic phenomena. Finally, this scattering theory can extend to other systems like atoms or nanoparticles near a waveguide.