Extraordinary optical transmission without plasmons: the s-polarization case

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that extraordinary optical transmission can occur for s-polarization through metallic films, driven by surface waves other than plasmons, broadening understanding of the phenomenon.

Contribution

It reveals that surface waves other than plasmons can facilitate extraordinary optical transmission in s-polarization, challenging the previous plasmon-centric view.

Findings

Surface waves can enable extraordinary transmission for s-polarization.

Surface plasmons are not necessary for the phenomenon.

Surface waves on dielectric layers support transmission without plasmons.

Abstract

It is shown that extraordinary optical transmission through perforated metallic films is possible for s-polarization. Although surface plasmons do not exist for this polarization, their role can be played by a surface wave sustained by a thin dielectric layer on top of the metallic film. This confirms that the existence of a surface wave, whatever its nature, is the responsible for the extraordinary optical transmission phenomenon.