Plasmon based nano-optical elements

Nano-optics is a recent research field acting to provide compact all-optical devices much faster than electronic based components. Among the different roots investigated, metal nano-structures offer strong potentialities. "Surface plasmons polaritons" (SPP`s) are electromagnetic modes that can be excited, under precise conditions, at a metal/dielectric interface. Their properties have been recently used to propagate light through very small sections wires. Today, the next step toward applications is the realization of compact optical functions. The aim of this project is the experimental realization of basic SPP`s elements such as mirrors and beam splitters. The project will require the use of several techniques from numerical simulation to optical characterization. Theoretical prospecting based on existing numerical codes will first permit to determine the relevant parameters for the samples before tackling experiments. The promising elements will then be nano-fabricated with an e-beam lithography procedure. Finally, the samples will be optically investigated using fuorescence imaging and Near- Field Optical Microscopy.