The common belief is that light is completely reflected by metals. In reality they also exhibit an amazing property that is not so widely known: under some conditions light flows along a metallic surface as if it were glued to it. Physical phenomena related to these light waves, which are called Surface Plasmon Polaritons (SPP), have given rise to the research field of plasmonics. This thesis explores four interesting topics within plasmonics: extraordinary optical transmission, negative refractive index metamaterials, plasmonic devices for controlling SPPs, and field enhancement phenomena near metal nanoparticles.

Addresses fascinating and novel aspects of the phenomenon of surface plasmon polaritons Includes much information of interest in the exciting field of metamaterials Reports both experimental data and simulations, with necessary theory explained Nominated as an outstanding contribution by the University of Zaragoza Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt

Introduction.- Extraordinary Optical Transmission.- Theory of NRI Response of Double-Fishnet Structures.- Plasmonic Devices.- Optical Field Enhancement on Arrays of Gold Nano-Particles.- List of Acronyms.