Metal films with Arrays of tiny holes: Spectroscopy with infrared plasmonic scaffolding

The extraordinary infrared transmission effect of metal films with arrays of tiny holes (microarrays or mesh) is mediated by surface plasmons. This work describes the optical physics of propagating infrared surface plasmons on mesh and reviews initial applications of the effect. In particular, surface-plasmon-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy is featured. Contents include: a brief history of surface plasmons, mesh-based surface plasmons, propagating surface plasmon basics, surface plasmon resonance response to nanocoatings, enhanced IR absorption spectroscopy, and the interaction of surface plasmon resonances with molecular vibrations.