Plasmonic Structures, Devices, and Integrated Applications A Patent Analysis

TL;DR

This paper reviews patent disclosures on plasmonic structures and devices, emphasizing materials, nanostructures, and active tuning mechanisms for applications in sensing and signal routing at the nanoscale.

Contribution

It provides a systematic analysis of recent patents, highlighting innovative materials, nanostructures, and dynamic control methods in plasmonic technology.

Findings

Use of noble metals and 2D materials in plasmonic devices

Development of subwavelength plasmonic waveguides

Active tuning via electrical gating and phase change materials

Abstract

This review systematically analyzes patent disclosures regarding plasmonic structures, devices, and integrated applications, highlighting the technology's capability to confine and manipulate electromagnetic energy at the nanoscale. Core materials rely on highly conductive noble metals (Gold, Silver), alongside innovative alternatives like Transparent Conducting Oxides (TCOs), Graphene, and 2D materials. These materials are engineered into diverse nanostructures that exploit Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR). LSPR generates intense electromagnetic "hot spots" necessary for signal amplification (SERS) and provides extreme refractive index sensitivity for label-free detection. Key device elements include subwavelength plasmonic waveguides (hybrid and slot types) for optical signal routing. Dynamic control is achieved through active tuning mechanisms, utilizing electrical gating of charge carrier density (e.g., TCOs, Graphene) and solid-state phase change materials (e.g., VO2).