Light-to-current and current-to-light coupling in plasmonic systems

In thin silver films we have observed strong photon drag effect (PDE) enhanced by surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) excited in a Kretschmann geometry at the SPP resonant angle. A weaker PDE of an opposite polarity has been detected at off-resonance incidence angles. We have also found that SPPs can be controlled by an external dc current propagating in the film. Both observed phenomena are mediated by electron-plasmon coupling and can find applications in plasmonic nanocircuitry, combining advantages of compact electronics and fast photonics.