Dispersive properties of linear chains of lossy metal nanoparticles

We study the propagation characteristics of optical signals in waveguides composed of linear periodic arrangements of metallic nanoparticles embedded in a dielectric host. We find the complex Bloch band diagram for the guided modes including material losses by employing Mie scattering theory as well as coupled dipole approximations. The results of the model are validated through finite element solution of the Maxwell's equations. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America