Scaling for gap plasmon based waveguides

Using the effective-index approach and an explicit expression for the propagation constant of gap surface plasmon polaritons (G-SPPs) obtained for moderate gap widths, we introduce a normalized waveguide parameter characterizing the mode field confinement and obtain the corresponding expressions for various (gap, trench and V-groove) G-SPP based waveguides. Usage of the obtained relations is investigated with a finite-element method, demonstrating that waveguides with different dimensions and operating at different wavelengths, but having the same normalized parameter, exhibit very similar field confinement. These relations allow one to design G-SPP waveguides for single-mode operation supporting a well-confined fundamental mode. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America.