Nonlinear Forced Response of Plasmonic Nanostructures

Incorporating optical surface waves in nonlinear processes unlocks unique and sensitive nonlinear interactions wherein highly confined surface states can be accessed and explored. Here, we unravel the rich physics of modal-nonmodal state pairs of short-range surface plasmons in thin metal films by leveraging dark nonlinearity-a nonradiating nonlinear source. We control and observe the nonlinear forced response of these modal-nonmodal pairs and present nonlinearly mediated direct access to nonmodal plasmons in a lossless regime. Our study can be generalized to other forms of surface waves or optical nonlinearities, toward on-chip nonlinearly controlled nanophotonic devices.

Automated summary

This study reveals the nonlinear forced response of modal-nonmodal pairs of short-range surface plasmons in thin metal films using a nonradiating nonlinear source. Nonlinearly mediated direct access to nonmodal plasmons in a lossless regime is achieved. The findings can be applied to other forms of surface waves or optical nonlinearities for on-chip nonlinearly controlled nanophotonic devices.